What Comes First: The Site or the Building?

How often do we come across a building that just seems… out of place? Maybe it feels like it’s trying too hard to stand out, or maybe it’s just uncomfortable in its setting. More often than not, this happens because not enough time was spent understanding the site before the design process began. Sometimes, though, it’s a deliberate choice to contrast with the surroundings.

At Studio RHE, we believe the site always comes first when it comes to design. The physical, cultural, and even historical context of a location should shape the building that’s going to live there. Here’s how we think about this, using a few of our projects to illustrate how a site can influence the design in different ways.

Date 10th December 2024
Written by Tom Foster

Physical Context: Building with Nature, Not Against It

The land itself is the first thing we consider when we start a project. Topography, climate, vegetation, and geology all play a huge role in how a building should look and feel. This isn’t just about how the building fits physically—it’s about creating harmony between the building and its natural surroundings.

Take Six Senses Zil Pasyon, for example. Before we even picked up a pencil, the design team spent over a year learning about the island environment. We tested ways to introduce architecture that was sensitive to the landscape—working with, rather than against, the topography and boulders. The result? A design that integrates so seamlessly with its surroundings that, from a distance, it feels as though the building is part of the island. It’s a perfect example of how a building can stand out by fitting in.

On the other end of the spectrum, at Prickly Bay Waterside, the land is reclaimed from the sea, and the architecture responds directly to the surrounding water. The design draws inspiration from the sleek, modern yachts that frequent the area, reflecting the maritime culture in its forms. Here, the building is shaped by the physical context in a way that aligns with the community’s needs and aesthetic.

Cultural & Historical Context: Tying the Past to the Present

Every site has a history, and understanding that history can greatly influence the design of a building. Whether it's a historic district or a site with cultural significance, this context shapes everything from the building’s materials to its overall aesthetic.

At The Gramophone Works, we retrofitted an old 1930s industrial building, keeping the original concrete structure but adding modern touches like structural timber. The design pays homage to the site’s industrial roots and its more recent history tied to the music industry. By retaining and enhancing key features, like the iconic circulation towers, we not only preserved the building’s heritage but also gave it new life as a modern, functional space.

This approach serves as a great example of how thoughtful, creative reuse can respect the past while adapting to the future, reinforcing the historical context while also bringing new energy to the site.

Social Context: The Role of the Community

Architecture isn’t just about buildings—it’s about the people who use them. A site’s social context, including the needs of the community, plays a huge role in shaping how a building is designed and how it functions within its environment.

At Roots in the Sky and Bermondsey Yards, two mixed-use developments, we integrated spaces for offices, community activities, wellness facilities, and urban parks—all while respecting the historical significance of the existing buildings. In both cases, we opened up public streets across the sites to honor historical "desire lines," pathways people have walked for years. By combining spaces for both community and commerce, these designs help connect people to their environment, ensuring that the building becomes a natural part of the urban fabric.

Architecture as a Response to Context

Context isn’t just about the physical site—it’s also about the broader social, cultural, and economic forces at play. And that context isn’t static; it’s constantly evolving, shaped by new needs and changing circumstances.

At Alphabeta, for example, we worked with a large urban site that had two very different characters. On one side, we embraced the gritty, creative vibe of Shoreditch by incorporating spaces for startups, entertainment venues, and a unique cycle ramp that connects directly to the basement bike facilities. On the other side, we celebrated the more established, commercial atmosphere of Finsbury Square with grand architecture and high-end restaurants. The building responds to its surrounding environment in two distinct ways, creating a flexible, multi-faceted space that reflects the diverse needs of the area.

Balancing the Site and Creativity

Ultimately, the degree to which a site should influence the architecture depends on the project and its goals. While a site should absolutely inspire the design, it shouldn’t limit creativity. A great architect finds the balance—respecting the site’s unique characteristics while also pushing the boundaries of design to create something innovative and forward-thinking.

In conclusion, the relationship between a building and its site is crucial. By understanding and responding to the physical, cultural, and social context of a location, architects can create designs that are not only functional and beautiful but also sustainable and meaningful. Architecture isn’t just about the building; it’s about how the building fits into and enriches the larger world around it.