Why does it matter to model the real terrain and real neighboring buildings?
A model cannot be fully accurate when analyzed in a vacuum, because in reality, it’s performance is highly dependent on its surroundings. If no streets are considered, it would be difficult to analyze noise. It no surrounding buildings are considered, the sun, wind, and microclimate patterns would be inaccurate. Â
Should the building adapt to the site, or the site to the building?
From the people who live on and around the site, they would likely want the building to adapt to their environment. A designer should also heavily weigh the effects of their design on the site and its surroundings. Developers tend to want the location to adapt to their new building, especially in cases of gentrification.
You generated three proposals and recommended one.
The best overall analysis was the simplest building model. I wanted to add some interest to the area, especially since there is a water view, so I did not pick the simple one. The design I ultimately recommended performs very well in all areas except sun hours. I believe that is a worthy tradeoff for bay views. My design would change if a building was built in between my design and the bay, blocking the views.