A client would normally approach an architect only after he has bought land for his project, but there are many cases where the client needs architect's inputs in selecting the site itself. Sometimes the land is too large for the project, and the client may have his own preferences for the location of the project. In both these cases, the architect's vision matters a great deal in the decision.
When Edger Kaufmann appointed F. L Wright to build a weekend retreat in the Allegheny Mountains, he pointed out to a waterfall on his property, and explained to Wright his vision of a house with a view of the falls. However, Wright decided otherwise, and made the waterfall a part of the house by placing it directly on the waterfall. The decision made the otherwise simple structure into a national monument now, a tribute to the genius of F. L. Wright.
In case of Cidade de Goa, a hotel located on the Vainguinim beach in Goa, the problem was that the regulations insisted on keeping the access to the beach open for the public. However, the hotel management wanted to create a sense of exclusivity for the hotel guests. The problem was solved by Charles Correa, in selecting the site in which the beach curves inwards and the hotel building encircles the beach. Though the sides are open, allowing public access to the beach, for the hotel guests, the space facing the sea has an exclusive feeling
