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Presentation to National Academy of Environmental Design in Washington DC on October 24th, 2010 by Rob Robinson, Chairman, Urban Design Associates
Citation preview
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
S U S T A I N A B L E U R B A N I S M
3
N A E DU R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S
N E W T O W N S I N I N D I A
R E G E N E R A T I O N I N T R I P O L I
T H E G U L F C O A S T & H A I T I
3
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
1 N E W T O W N S I N I N D I A
L U D H I A N A , P U N J A B
J A M N A G A R , G U J A R A T
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
L U D I H A N A
JA M N AG A R
C O N T E X T
R A P I D T R A N S F O R M A T I O N
R U R A L - U R B A N
N O S T A T E W I D E O R R E G I O N A L
G R O W T H S T R A T E G Y
I N F R A S T R U C T U R E L I M I T S
D I S C O N N E C T E D U R B A N I S A T I O N
G R O W I N G M I D D L E C L A S S
D E S I R E F O R W E S T E R N M O D E L S
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
Sidwan Branch
Sidwan Branch
Abohar Branch
Abohar Branch
Sirhind Canal
Budha Nallah River
Satluj RiverSatluj River
Municipal Corporation Boundary/ Municipal Council/ Nagar Panchayat Boundary
Mullanpur
Doraha
Sahnewal
Ludhiana
PhillaurUrbanisable Boundary 2021
Inhabited Areas
IREO Site Location
legend
Location Planu d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India19 september 2008
L U D H I A N A
3 M I L L I O N P O P U L A T I O N
T E X T I L E A N D M A N U F A C T U R I N G
A G R I C U L T U R A L C E N T E R F O R
P U N J A B
R A P I D R E G I O N A L G R O W T H
A Q U I F E R D E P L E T I O N
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
u d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India03 july 2008
High Tension Line Re-allignment Studyscale 1 : 4,000
Existing High Tension Alignment
Proposed Re- Alignment
u d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India25 june 2008 scale 1 : 3,750
Existing Site Conditions
Note: Site Boundary as identified by IREO : yields 750 acres
s i t e c o n t e x t
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
u d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India25 june 2008
Scheme 1: The Great Park
Land Use % Total Area (acresOpen Space 16 117Commercial 5 35Institutional 9 71Low Density Residential 36 268Group Housing 9 69EWS 5 40Roads, Parking, Utilities 20 150
Note: Great Park uses 139 acres
Hotel
Clubhouse
Golf Course
School
School
School
Pilot Village
Neighborhood Parks
Recreation Fields
Great Park
Nursery
Workforce Housing
Regional Retail and Office
Neighborhood Retail
Neighborhood Retail
Town Center Shopping
Neighborhood Parks
scale 1 : 3,750
u d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India25 june 2008 scale 1 : 3,750
Scheme 2: The Constellation
Land Use % Total Area (acresOpen Space 18 132Commercial 6 43Institutional 9 71Low Density Residential 34 256Group Housing 9 64EWS 5 40Roads, Parking, Utilities 19 144
School
School
School
Bazaar
Market Square
Orchard
Clubhouse
Hotel
Restaurants and
Destination Shopping
Park & Fields
Park & Fields
Terrace to Canal
Temple
Agricultural Fields
Agricultural Fields
South Gate
Neighborhood Parks
Parkway
Model VillageRegional Retail and Office
Nursery
Workforce Housing
Neighborhood Retail
Neighborhood Retail
Neighborhood Retail
Farmer’s Market
Neighborhood Parks
u d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India25 june 2008
Scheme 1: The Great Parkscale 1 : 10,000
Small neighborhood parks can be used for sports and community gather-ing
Buildings frame shaded, landscaped courtyards
The canal extends through the quarter and increases waterfront property.
Neighborhood centers include plazas for gathering
The lakeside park presents activity and recreation
The Village Center creates a lively destination for retail.
Great Park
The Great Park Scheme creates a regional brand with a focus on the major open space that creates an unparalleled amenity and identity for the new town. While organic in form, the park legacy builds on the success of great urban parks like Leisure Park in Chandigarh and Lodi Gardens in Delhi.The concept illustrates a concentration of rec-reational and institutional activities within the great park including: golf, the club house, the higher secondary school, informal market/bazaar, lakes, trails, amphitheater, botanical gardens. The Great Park becomes a highly desirable address for all neighborhoods, most of which are within a 5 minute walk.
u d a | d a d a | d w
IREO Township, Ludhiana | Punjab, India25 june 2008
Scheme 2: The Constellationscale 1 : 10,000
Canal Quarter
Garden Quarter
Town CenterGateway Quarter
Market Quarter
Courts and paseos terrace up to the canal and retail plaza.
Commercial and offi ce space lines the entry.
Courts and paseos terrace up to the canal and retail plaza.
The linear park will have a diverse range of native plants as a landscape amenity
Sports and recreation fi elds are embedded in the Constellation Park system
A neighborhood market creates a strong identity for this Quarter
The Constellation
This concept is based on creating incremental quarters that stand alone and together cre-ate a wonderfully diverse and varied series of residential neighborhoods. Each quarter would be anchored by a local amenity that determines it’s architectural and landscape character such as the Market Quarter, the Canal Quarter and the Garden Quarter. Based on great models such as Garden Estates in Gurgauon and Jor Bagh in Delhi these neigh-borhoods have a series of smaller amenities that create value, a sense of neighborhood and identity.
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
S I T EP L A N
5 0 0 a c r e s
6 0 0 0 u n i t s r e s
3 m c o m m e r c i a l
3 s c h o o l s
5 0 K c i v i c
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
C E N T R A L R E S E R V O I R D I S T R I C T
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D©
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High Street Crossing
1–2 Floors
Small kiosks /retail that allow for fl ex-ible space and programing
2–3 Floors
Small retail stores
3–5 Floors
Medium retail /restaurant with offi cesabove
5–7 Floors
Medium commercial use on lower twofl oors with offi ces above.
7–9 Floors
Large commercial use on lower two or three fl oors with large fl oor plate offi ces above
Heights Diagram
1 Boutique Urban Mall
Small Urban Mall with 4-to-6-screen multiplex and upper fl oor offi ces, to be animated on all sides with shops
2 Bazaar Environment with Small Community Oriented Shops /Offices
Internal court /street-like space is shaded with large awnings and offers fl exible space for community oriented shopping such as weekly markets
3 Formal Internal Court
North-south blocks to have colonnades and galleries fronting the courtyard (exemplar: Galleria, Gurgaon)
4 Main Street Retail Building
Ground fl oor shop to have a mezzanine fl oor and medium to large sized offi ces
5 Gateway Building
This acts as a bookend along the east-west approach corridor. Mass-ing steps down towards the lake with a 25,000 sq. ft. offi ce fl oor plate above and two-level, large retail space at podium level
6 Corner Plaza
The gateway buildings step back at the corner to create a public plaza which provides a visible gathering space and connection to the Lakefront Plaza across the boulevard.
Conceptual Plan Example
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Required Open Air Connections
Suggested Secondary Connections
Diagram of Circulation PatternsA maximum distance of 60 meters is suggested between pedestrian connections into the interior of the block. Around corners, 75 meters is allowed. Connections may be open air or covered, internal passageways.
High Street Crossing
Diagram of ParkingUnderground parking is accessed by recessed ramps from the streets and the access lane. Parallel parking is allowed along most street frontages.
Underground Parking
Underground Parking
Max 75%
Max 85%
Maximum 85% building
coverage
Diagram of Open SpaceWithin each commercial lot, specifi c areas are required to be maintained as open spaces. Maximum building coverage limits ensure additional areas of open space within each building zone.
25 m
12.5
m
8 m
34 m
15 m
Maximum 85% building
coverage
Maximum
75%
building
coverage
Diagram of SetbacksA 6 meter setback from the property line is required along all street frontages. A 12 meter setback at the southern edge of the site provides for an access road to underground parking and service docks.
Access Road
40 m
60 m
6 m
6 m
12 m
6 m
6 m74 m
6 m
50.5
m
50 m
25 m
40 m 25 m6 m
U R B A N D E S I G N P A T T E R N S
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
N E I G H B O R H O O D C H A R A C T E R
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
N E I G H B O R H O O D C H A R A C T E R
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
Buildings line streets and parks to form urban “rooms”water is celebrated and treated as scared and ceremonial;materials for the support structures, the commercial andresidential fabric are predominately of the region, as arethe plants and trees that line the streets and populate theforests.
Each of these places remains a potent idea about living incities, the quality of each civic space, neighborhood,monument and park can be read in the plan of the city.Ask any resident of Chandigarh and they can give you ahistory lesson about the structure of the city, it’s idea ofsectors, monuments and civic space as well as layers ofpark spaces that create neighborhood form.
This pattern and heritage mixed with emerging urbanthinking, was firmly in the mind of the planning team forthe waterfront. Our work began with understanding theseprecedents and inherited regional character. Theecological systems, agricultural patterns, culturalinfluences and the economic forces shaping the regionand the country - all played an important role ininfluencing the thinking about how people will live, work,learn and play in this new township.
At it’s core, the waterfront re-establishes a shared realmof community space that is designed to foster connectionat a neighborhood scale. Streets are seen as important topedestrians as well as cars and motorbikes. In this sense
N E I G H B O R H O O D C H A R A C T E R
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
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Contextual Design2
contextual design principles established through studies
of the region shaped the evolution of the master plan and will be integrated
throughout the architecture, landscape, and infrastructure of the Ludhiana
township.
Regional Landscape Character
The landscape approach unites natural landscape with more modern design
forms through the arrangements of native and adaptive plants which thrive
in this climate while enhancing the character of the region. The Ludhiana
region holds examples of many design forms from the natural realm to the
urban which have been re-envisioned as a part of the Township plan. By fol-
lowing age-old practices such as solar orientation, natural and man made
shading devices and careful water control and collection, this Township builds
on the proven sustainable principles of region.
Regional Architectural Precedents
The architectural palette of the Township emerges from regional examples of
the Post Modern and International styles. These styles are both laden with
unique materials of the region which give specifi c color, texture and variety
to the facades. Buildings here are also sensitive to the dry and sometimes hot
climate while also smartly conserving the rains of the wet season.
Green Design
Situated amid agricultural fi elds and between two canals, the township
respects the surrounding land and limits its environmental impact. Care has
been taken to ensure that natural systems manifest at three levels- the town-
ship lake, neighborhood parks and plots- provide a sustainable open space
network. Landscapes focus on regional palettes which require less water than
exotic palettes. Buildings incorporate green technologies and state-of-the-art
appliances with the ‘smart’ design principles of the region's traditional pat-
terns.
Villa designs with simple yet classy lines (above and below left) reflect international trends merged with local traditions.
The Township is fully anchored in Indian tradition through the creation of active community spaces and outdoor plazas (above right and below).
Green design principles help to preserve and enhance the environment. Water and landscape features provide cooling and shade. Terraces and balconies connect to the outdoors, while avoiding the heat of midday.
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Character and Placemakingthe terraces commercial centre is situated along the spine
road and serves the neighborhoods east of the lake. This neighborhood com-
mercial plaza is similar to the Sidwan Commercial Centre in its services and
character. It differs, however, in that it is composed of much smaller retail
and offi ce buildings which give it a bazaar or crafts market-like atmosphere.
The commercial centre addresses the spine road but is designed to create
intimate spaces that foster activity and gathering opportunities within the
retail uses. This experience is also linked to the neighborhood park beyond
creating a strong connection for residents. The site is accessed by vehicle from
the neighborhood streets or by pedestrian on the array of sidewalks leading to
it. Parking occurs below in an underground parking garage.
The terraces within the retail are hardscaped and offer plentiful seating
for pedestrians, with selective planting providing shade.
The Terraces
Caption
Left to Right: Illustrative detail of Terraces Commercial Centre; Market stalls frame streets and plazas; Terraced spaces provide diverse addresses and pedestrian experiences; Outdoor seating and landscape fi ll a series of courtyards
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Sustainable Strategies
Bioswales and Rain Gardens
Bioswales are planted areas
that collect and slowly convey
surface runoff, thereby allowing
it to percolate into the soil where
it is stored and filtered.
Rain gardens employ the
same concept: to collect and filter
rain water. Rain gardens allow
for on-site percolation.
Bioswales and rain gardens
are applicable on a variety of
scales including residential yards
to collect roof and patio runoff.
Curb cuts allow for use
along roadways as well as within
and around parking lots.
»
»
»
»
Green Roofs
Green roofs are used to filter
stormwater for later use.
Green roofs are
recommended for use in high
density residential areas where
outdoor space is at a premium.
Benefits include:
»
»
»Bioswale
Rain garden design in a plaza setting
Curb cut into a bioswale
Green roof
Porous asphalt
Grasspave
Porous Pavement
Porous pavement is a
hardscape that allows water to
infiltrate. Porous pavement
can be used on a pedestrian or
vehicular scale.
Any paved area may utilize
pervious concrete and asphalt,
however these technologies are
particularly useful on roadways
and in parking lots.
»
»
Porous pavement diagram
Sweeping wildflower green roof
Terraced rooftop garden
reduction of heating/
cooling costs and increased
energy efficiency
reduction of flood
risks
reduction of heat
island effect
reduction of storm
water runoff
creation of attractive
green spaces for residents
»
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»
»
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1 2 3
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Sustainable Strategies
Urban Tree Lawns
Urban tree lawns provide
both streetscape landscaping and
urban stormwater management
Provide for a higher rate of
stormwater infiltration.
Urban tree lawns are
recommended along residential
streets and within urban plazas
and parks to account for the high
percentage of hardscape in such
areas.
»
»
»
Cisterns
Cisterns collect and store
stormwater for reuse. Water
from hard surfaces such as roofs
and pavement.
Cisterns are most com-
monly used for irrigation, but the
stored water can be treated for
indoor use.
Cisterns are recommended
for use on a residential scale,
as well as for irrigation of turf
activity areas to replenish water
features.
»
»
»
Permeable paving showing pervious joints
Permeable Pavers
Permeable pavers allow
stormwater to infiltrate through
gaps between individual pavers.
Permeable pavers can be
used on a pedestrian or vehicular
scale.
»
»
Permeable paver diagram Pervious landscape design and tree lawn
Tree lawn with aggregate
Tree lawn along roadway
Roof top cistern
Ground level cistern
Cistern use for irrigation diagram
4 6 7
Sub-Surface Chambers
Sub-surface chambers
provide storage for large volumes
of stormwater collected from
roofs, parking lots or other hard
surfaces and used for irrigation.
The stored water can then
be used for irrigation.
»
» Sub-surface storage chamber diagram
5
G R E E N I N F R A S T R U C T U R E
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Sustainable Strategies
1 bioswale/rain garden
green roof
porous pavement
permeable pavers
sub surface chambers
urban tree lawns
cisterns
2
3
4
5
6
Landscape StrategiesINTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN is the goal of these strategies for creating an environmentally sustainable community at Ludhiana. The design and management of water is a critical component in supporting the needs of this community and the region. Water management techniques are focused on groundwater recharge, reduced irrigation, regulated water movement, creating wildlife habitat and potable water use. The following pages describe strategies and offer recommended uses for where they would occur.
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Villa Possibility Elevations
Plot E Villas
Plot D Villas
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J A M N A G A R
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U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
T R A D I T I O N A L W A T E R C O N S E R V A T I O N
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essar township master plan: vadinar, gujarat, indiaurban design associates | design workshop | applied ecological services | chinai ranadive associative | suvarna sathe | spectral
|27
DRAFT30 OCT 2008
the essar township in Vadinar, Gujarat, India is located approxi-
mately 38 kilometers from the town of Jamnagar. The current landscape around
the site is one of a high level of disturbance. To the north is the existing ESSAR
Oil Refi nery, to the east is the Reliance Oil Refi nery, and to the south and west
are agriculture fi elds and created waste lands. Historically, this region has been
over farmed and over grazed creating a damaged landscape.
The location of the site provides both an opportunity and a challenge when
designing the landscape for the proposed township. The opportunity is that
the residents of the township will be near their place of work and will not have
a long commute to work. The challenge is how this site can be designed to
create a retreat and a personal sanctuary that enhances the quality of life of the
residents.
The site is located in a region and of exceptional culture and history. The site’s
adjacency to a highway connecting major worship sites, the historic town of
Jamnagar, the sole marine preserve in India, and to a world-renowned bird
sanctuary brings a level of history to the front door of the property. It is critical
that the landscape uses this history and culture to its advantage and include
historic elements like kunds within the design.
The challenge with the region is that historically the native landscape was
not highly regarded by its residents. It is important that the design team
understands this perception and utilizes the natural to their advantage by
teaching the residents about the benefi ts of their environment. These benefi ts
can be embraced by having a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape and
limiting the use of invasive plant materials, this reduces the dependence upon
an irrigated landscape and thus helping to remediate the damage done to the
landscape from over farming of the land. This also provides the community with
an instant plant palette to work from since the material is already adapted to the
environmental conditions of the region.
It is through the integration of the historical landscape practices and elements
like kunds with modern theory, technology, and practices that will create a
strong identity of place for the township that is well grounded in a the social
connection to the historical and regional landscape. By creating this balance
between the historical landscape and the modern landscape the township will
attract the potential high quality engineers and staff to the ESSAR Oil Refi nery
and provide a personal respite to these same individuals.
Open Space Diagram
IntroductionL ANDSCAPEPRINCIPLES
Utilize the historical storm water technologies like a kund in ways that they become icons and usable spaces within the landscape.
Create circulation corridors that safely and efficiently integrate the relationship between the pedes-trian and vehicle.
Design a strong major open space network that integrates pedestrian and bicycle movement with recre-ational and functional uses.
Design a hierarchy of open spaces that begins at the block level, connects into a pedestrian vehicular circulation corridors, and ends within larger park and open spaces.
Utilize the over story plant material in a way that provides identity and location markers within the com-munity.
Design a level of transition from the natural / wild landscape to the manicured landscape creating a variety of experiences within the community.
Provide places of landscape pro-duction areas that educate the community about the region and provides food production within the community
Creates microclimates that incor-porate a high level of comfort within the community.
»
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»
»
»
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landscape designlandscape introduction
PA RKS A ND OPEN SPACE
N AT UR A L OPEN SPACE
NURSERY
OPEN SPACE CONNEC T ION
BIK E C IRCUL AT ION
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|52
DRAFT30 OCT 2008
landscape designstandard block plan
due to the density needs and the site’s size constraints the inter-
vention of large social open spaces on the master plan is not possible. The con-
cept for the block plan in the ESSAR Township is designed to serve as a system
of the landscape larger framework armature that acts as a suturing element tying
the larger community together with social landscapes. The concepts of these
spaces are derived from understanding the common aspects of interaction with
public spaces in the Indian culture. These spaces in India commonly address tra-
ditional and emergent social needs with typical programmatic themes:The Maidan – Flexible open space
The Formal Garden – Refined plantings and calm experience
The Plaza – Social urban space
The Walking Garden – Linear or meandering paths/allee
When distilled to their nucleus it is determined these parks are derived from
single elemental programmatic themes:Play – Flexible open space that responds to the needs provided by the Maidan
Contemplate – Calm aesthetically formalized garden space
Socialize – Urban setting accommodating retail and social events
Walk – defined strolling paths that also serve as additional layer of circula-tion
From these four programmatic themes four aggregate landscapes are
formed:Play Garden
Contemplative Garden
Strolling Garden
Social Garden
»
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Aggregate LandscapeStandard Block Plan
Parallel Parking49 Spaces Per Block
First Story Covered Parking
Typical Pedestrian Connection Between Courtyard Spaces
Strolling Garden Social Garden
Play GardenContemplative Garden
S T ROLL
PL AY
CON T EMPL AT I V E
SOCI A L
Aggregate Landscape Key
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essar township master plan: vadinar, gujarat, indiaurban design associates | design workshop | applied ecological services | chinai ranadive associates | suvarna sathe | spectral
|22
DRAFT30 OCT 2008
urban designplaces within the township
Neighborhood Greens
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
In places buildings will be set back to create engaged parks.
Places for small-scale active play
Provide relief and green moments within the urban neighborhood.
Intended for use by residents
»
»
»
»
In addition to the township’s streets and formal, programmed open
spaces, neighborhood greens will provide a smaller-scale of public
open space for residents. Neighborhood greens occur as engaged
parks in places where blocks take on irregular forms, or where build-
ings have the opportunity for larger-than-typical setbacks.
These smaller parks contribute a rich layer of public interaction
to the social network of the township. Each neighborhood will have
greens and parks with slightly different form and character from
other neighborhoods’ parks. Residents can take pride and ownership
in these spaces. These greens are seen as ideal places for informal
active play such as pick-up cricket or football games. They may also
be converted into community gardens, small orchards, or other pro-
ductive uses.
Places within the Township continued
Detail plan of a neighborhood green
Neighborhood Streets in Mumbai
NeighborhoodGreen
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essar township master plan: vadinar, gujarat, indiaurban design associates | design workshop | applied ecological services | chinai ranadive associates | suvarna sathe | spectral
|7 1
DRAFT30 OCT 2008
sustainable systems designrestoration of essar township property
Restoration of ESSAR Township Property continued
A
A’
B
B’
Proposed Lake Edge Condition
Images of Proposed Lake Edge Condition
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DRAFT30 OCT 2008
Central Plaza and Spine
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
Central gathering space within the township.
Large kund integrated into the sustainable water system will provide an amenity for the community
Mixed-use buildings create small plazas for spill over space for cafes and neighbor-hood functions.
Small kiosks and market retail may operate within the octa-gon.
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Detail Plan of the Central Plaza
The central plaza will be one of the primary gathering spaces within
the township. Both residential and mixed-use signature buildings
contain the space. Small triangular plazas on the outer perimeter cre-
ate spaces for small retail functions to spill outside. Cafes and restau-
rants can use this space for outdoor seating.
The center oval integrates a large kund that functions as a key
element in the public space as well as an important functioning ele-
ment in the sustainable water system. Shade kiosks located around
the kund offer ideal locations for smaller market retail and food ven-
dors to locate in the plaza.
The central spine experience focuses on pedestrian and water
movement through the township. A series of canals, smaller kunds,
and stepped channels creates a rich experience for the residents as
they move from the entry sequence, through the central plaza, to ter-
minus park and lake district.
Places within the Township continued
urban designplaces within the township
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DRAFT30 OCT 2008
1
6
2
7
3
84
9
5
landscape designneighborhood parks, greens, and plazas
Central Plaza
The landscape design concept for the central plaza will capitalize from its loca-
tion at the main spine or Central Boulevard. The role of this space is both social
and environmental. Socially the structure and spatial organization responds to
the needs of all age groups. Ergonomically the Central Plaza will respond to the
size and needs of the community. It will provide for diverse activities and diver-
sion choices. Spaces for activities such as play, contemplation, informal and for-
mal gathering and civic events will be provided. Environmentally the design of
the space will accommodate for storm water harvesting with the idea of recharg-
ing the underground aquifer and channeling water to activate features designed
to stimulate the senses and teach about stewardship of this limited resource. The
level of comfort will be brought about by the plant palette which will add color,
and character throughout the seasons, provide shade, shelter and food for bird
life and mitigate the adverse effects of heat island. The Central Plaza will serve
as a magnet to celebrate community life in comfort. Its form and function will
adopt architectural and landscape precedents found throughout India such as
the kund, garden pavilions for contemplation, repose and gathering and planting
compositions and arrangements to promote bio-diversity. The Central Plaza will
become an urban icon and respond to its immediate periphery as a complement
to image and as an investment to secure and build real estate equity.
Neighborhood Parks, Greens, and Plazas continued
KUND
PAV IL ION
T ERR ACED L AW NS
CON T EMPL AT I V E G A RDENS
IMPULSE RE TA IL
PA RK G AT E WAYS
RING PROMEN A DE
L A RGE TREES / INFORM A L PL A N T ING
WAT ER FE AT URES
PA LM COURT
BIOREMEDI AT ION ISL A NDS
CORNER G A RDENS
C A N A L
1
6
2
7
3
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4
9
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Central Plaza Key
Key Plan
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DRAFT30 OCT 2008
Detail plan of neighborhood street
urban designplaces within the township
Access Lane
Covered Parking
Mid- BlockGreen
CoveredParking
Neighborhood Streets
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
Comfortable Space
Appropriate capacity for vehi-cles, bicycles, and pedestrians
On-street parking, street trees, and planting provide a safe buffer.
Site walls define the public / semi public space / encourage small gardens / plantings.
Two sections: 19 meter typical section and 23 meter section with an additional bike lane
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The majority of the residences in the township address on neighbor-
hood streets. The streets are designed as three dimensional spaces in
which pedestrians, cycles, and vehicles can all comfortably co-exist.
The proportion of width between buildings and the height of those
buildings creates the space. Trees and on-street parking add shade,
buffer, and an additional sense of enclosure
The typical street has a 19 meter right-of-way, accommodating
two travel lanes, two on-street parking bays, planting strips, and side-
walks. A second street type occurs along important network links and
includes a designated bike lane.
The treatment of the semi-private zone will further help to defi ne
the public space of the street. Building blocks are raised onto plinths
at least a third of a meter above the sidewalk. Site walls with varying
architecture and private gardens add individuality and softness to the
street space.
Places within the Township continued
Neighborhood Streets in Mumbai
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|18
DRAFT30 OCT 2008
Entry Plaza
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
Front door to Township
Upgraded pavers and land-scape
Arcades and storefronts sur-rounding a clearly public space
Clear entry sequence to the Township
Landscaped SH 6 along Township frontage
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Entry Plaza Plan detail
urban designplaces within the township
The frontispiece along SH 6 will be the ESSAR Township plaza.
As the hub for retail and social activity, it will capitalize fully on its
prominent location and high volume of entering and exiting resi-
dential traffi c. A movie theater, retail, and medical center will be the
focus of the plaza.
The plaza is a critical element to the Township as it acts as its
front door, its marketing, and its message about the ESSAR brand.
Coupling it with a drastically improved SH 6 will be essential to
communicating the ESSAR image in the proper way. Centralized
around a large kund, the entry plaza will serve as the primary gather-
ing space and activity center.
Places within the Township continued
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|46
DRAFT30 OCT 2008
Loop Road
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
Four travel lanes
Pedestrian paths on either side
Incorporates bicycle traffic
Parking only adjacent to residential units
Porous paving at parking and all paths.
One iconic tree used on either side.
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The loop road serves as the major circulation route around the community and
is the largest street within the street hierarchy. This street consists of four travel
lanes and highly emphasizes the vehicular circulation, yet remains pedestrian
friendly with a variety of pedestrian paths adjacent to it. The Loop Road con-
nects to the underpass to the refi nery on the east side of the property and serves
as a service entrance on the west. It accommodates for the traffi c fl ow from the
refi nery during peak times and will still serve as a collector road if the commu-
nity expands.
Street Design continued
landscape designstreet design
Loop Road Section B
Loop Road Section A at Nala
Key Plan
A
A
B B
Detail Plan
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urban design associates | design workshop | applied ecological services | chinai:ranadive:associates | suvarna sathe | spectral
ESSAR Township | Vadinar, Gujarat, India18 november 2008
Existing Plan Density: 4000 Units
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ESSAR Township | Vadinar, Gujarat, India18 november 2008
Reduced Plan Density: 2850 Units
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DRAFT30 OCT 2008
Rain Gardens
sustainable systems designstorm water management plan
Storm water Management Plan continued
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
Capture and infiltrate rainwater close to the source of runoff
Integrated throughout the development in courtyard areas
Very attractive landscape fea-tures
Can vary in area
Should not pond water to depth greater than 0.5 m
Must ensure that water does not pond long enough to allow mosquito production
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Shallow vegetated depressions within courtyards of the city blocks
that capture and infi ltrate water and provide dry detention.
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DRAFT30 OCT 2008
Wet Detention Pools
sustainable systems designstorm water management plan
Storm water Management Plan continued
ESSENTIALCHARACTERISTICS
Show stormwater runoff by providing temporary water storage
Reduce runoff rates to pre-development conditions for more frequent storm events to assure to increased erosion
Incorporated into amenity pools and kunds within the development
Less than 2 m increase in water level resulting from big-gest storm for kunds; less than 1.4 m increase for large pond
Total surface area = 39,000 m2 (9.7 acres)
Provide continuous flow through pools to minimize risk of mosquito production
Outlet control structures match architecture of pool while restricting outflow
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Permanent pools of water designed to detain storm events with
increased water levels during and after storms.
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
R E G E N E R A T I O N
T R I P O L I , L I B Y A2
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Introduction In April of 2009, dck/UDA visited Libya and had an opportunity
to meet with several government agencies and private companies.
The trip was rewarding and exciting for the American team. Libya is
rapidly building new infrastructure, communities, and employment
centers in response to increased prosperity. Tripoli is experiencing
extraordinary growth and transformation. Large new housing proj-
ects are under construction or being planned. Compared with the
extraordinary beauty in the Islamic and Colonial core of the city,
many of these new housing projects are incompatible in character
and are imported designs from other parts of the world, unsuitable
for the Libyan culture, environment, and urban traditions.
Al Fallah Master Plan
Representatives from dck/UDA met with Hussein A. Darrat,
General Director of LICO and Farag Yausif Elfeturi, Deputy
Chairman of Sandara Construction Company. Hussein presented a
vision for a new urban neighborhood, located on former industrial
land southwest of the downtown core of Tripoli. The plan for Al
Fallah had been prepared by European consultants and is a thought-
ful and sensitive plan for a major new residential precinct. The
dck/UDA team can see great potential for creating a remarkable
new neighborhood appropriate for Tripoli using the master plan as a
starting point.
Mr. Darrat kindly invited dck/UDA to prepare a development
proposal for a portion of the Al Fallah plan. This document was
prepared over a one month period following our visit to Tripoli and
offers a vision for the new community that builds on the principles
developed in the master plan. We believe our proposal interprets that
plan in new and enriching ways.
Tripoli’s center city is remarkably beautiful compared with many cities in Europe and North Africa, featuring buildings that have a diverse range of scale; meet the street with active facades, arcades, doorways, and windows; and are shaded by trees and other vegetation.
Tripoli is in the process of regenerating many of its urban precincts. The Al Fallah Neighborhood (shown in relation to this city’s core), will be a model for rebuilding the streets, neighborhoods, and public spaces in the city and the region.
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
TRIPOLI SEA PORT
AL FALLAH SITE
CENTRAL TRIPOLI
A L F A L L A H
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Above shows the existing street patterns of the site. The diagram below it represents the Al Fallah master plan’s street network.
The Al Fallah neighborhood is southwest of Tripoli’s historic core along major transportation corridors.
SECOND RING ROAD
ASSW
AN
I RO
AD
GURJI ROAD
AIRPO
RT HIG
HWAY
SUQ ATH THALAT ROAD
The Al Fallah neighborhood study area is at the core of the redevelopment
The Al Fallah site today
Design Brief
During the past couple of years, a master plan was prepared by the
Housing and Infrastructure Board for a new residential precinct
located on former industrial land. The master plan includes a plan
of streets and blocks featuring a major urban boulevard, institutions,
parks, residential blocks and retail. LICO will develop a portion
of the master plan. In April of 2009, LICO invited dck/UDA, an
American company to prepare a vision and proposal for assisting
LICO in the development of the designated area. This document
proposes a vision for LICO’s portion of Al Fallah that uses the
master plan as a starting point and expands that vision to add rich-
ness and diversity to the architecture and public spaces. This vision
proposes a series of standard development blocks and building types
that are coded to offer variety in the urban experience and a range
of residential units to suit the needs of future residents. The vision
builds on the best architectural and public space traditions of Tripoli
in conjunction with contemporary best practices.
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Urban Addresses in the Plan
RESIDEN T I A L COURTS
RESIDEN T I A L S TREE TS
A S S WA NI BOULE VA R D
PA RKSIDE
RESIDEN T I A L G A RDENS
ASSWANI BOULEVARD
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The Al FallahUrban Assembly Kit
STANDARDIZED BUILDING TYPES
Both standardization and diversity are built into the design of Al Fallah building types. Using a series of standard building types with a number of alternate elevations for each ensures a rich architectural palette while achieving remarkable development efficiency.(PAGES 24-25)
STANDARDIZED BLOCK TYPES
Block types are carefully scripted to take advantage of solar angles and wind direction and to provide for particular land uses and residential living accommodation. Parking and servicing is also standardized to allow for efficient operation and maintenance.(PAGES 19-23)
OPEN SPACE NETWORK
Parks, parkways, courtyards, and gardens complement each other in providing landscaped areas for shade, recreation, and storm water management. Civic and other institutional uses are typically located in these spaces to capitalize on programming synergies.(PAGES 17-18)
STREET NETWORK
A rich hierarchy of street types serves as the central framework for development, circulation, and public interaction. Al Fallah streets are pedestrian-friendly, shaded, and provide on-street parking for residents and guests.(PAGES 12-16)
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Street Types:Park
Park streets serve as premier addresses for residential and commercial building types.
Tripoli Park Streets rely on lush planting and tree cover for shading.
Park streets form a variety of spaces such as this square.
Street Section
Street Plan
680 meters of Park Streets are proposed
2.25m
Parking
6.75m
Travel Lanes
2.5m
Sidewalk
2.5m
SidewalkArcade
14.0m
Right of Way
Park
VariesVariesPark Street perspective
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Street Types:Neighborhood
Street Section
Street Plan
3,626 meters of Neighborhood Streets are proposed
2.25m
Parking
6.75m
Travel Lanes
1.5m
Verge
2.0m
Sidewalk
2.5m
SidewalkCourt/Building
15.0m
Right of Way
Court/Building
Neighborhood streets have windows and doors “on the street,” passively keeping watch over the street.
Neighborhood streets are typically narrower in scale, utilizing landscape and buildings to shade the streetscape.
Walls and landscape help define the private and semi-private residential spaces from the street.
Neighborhood street perspective.
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Block Types:Courtyard
Typical block plan detail
Typical block plan
Typical block section
BASEMENT PARKING
STREET LEVEL
GROUND FLOOR AND CIRCULATION
STANDARD UNITS AND FLOORS
FACADE COMPOSITION AND
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPONENTS
TIMES
USED
UNITS/
BLOCK
CAR
PARKS
AVG.
FLOORS
AREA/
FLOOR
BLOCK
AREA FAR
10 90 83 Cars 3.7 Floors 3,138 m2 5,376 m2 2.14
20m
Raised Garden
7m 3m
Court
1.5m
Sidewalk
48m
Development Block
RaisedTerrace
15m 1.5m
Residential Building Setback
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Block Types:Solar Exposure
SUN E XPOSURE DIAGR A M : MORNING SUMMER SOLST ICE
The block types were designed to accommodate Tripoli’s specific solar exposure. Tripoli sits at a latitude 32 degrees 58 feet North and enjoys a mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild winters. Block orientation allows moderate sun in the courtyards during morning hours when the heat is less intense.
SUN E XPOSURE DIAGR A M : A F TERNOON SUMMER SOLST ICE
The discomfort index in Tripoli is highest during the months of June and July. Shade becomes the essential element in keeping outdoor spaces livable. The tallest buildings in the block are placed on the western edge, providing maximum afternoon shade in the courts and gardens. This ensures that these spaces will be useful even during the hottest months of the year. Balconies and window openings also recess to shade glazing and interiors.
Tallest Residential Building Heights
Shaded Courts
Shaded Gardens
Tallest Residential Building Heights
Shaded Streets and Parking
Morning Sun in Courts
Morning Sun in Gardens
Shorter Residential Building Heights
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The Al Fallah Neighborhood
The Al Fallah neighborhood master plan
The land uses established in the Al Fallah Master Plan informed the design process
DEVELOPMENTSUMMARY
DEVELOPMENTAREA (HA)
PROGRAMAREA (M2)
NUMBER OF UNITS
Residential 8.45 259,695 2,222
Commercial 3.44 14,190 -
Institutional 7.44 23,771 -
Parks and Open Space 4.99 - -
Totals 24.32 297,656 2,222
School
School
School
Institutional Buildings
Retail
Retail
Mixed-Use
Asswani Boulevard and Transit Corridor
Residential Garden
Residential Courtyard
Park
Residential Building
Walk-Up Flats
Institutional Building
MI X ED - USE A ND RE TA IL
HIGH - DENSIT Y RESIDEN T I A L
MEDIUM - DENSIT Y RESIDEN T I A L
EDUC AT ION
PA RKS A ND OPEN SPACE
INS T I T U T ION A L
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Residential Streets
Perspective
Section
Detail Plan at Street
Residential Streets in Al Fallah will be lined with trees and landscape, on street parking, and narrow cartways to slow traffic speeds. Sidewalks are animated by doorways, windows, balconies, and stairs that open up to the street.
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E DThe Residential Street Address
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Residential Courts
Perspective
Section
Detail Plan
Residential Courts offer a respite from sun and public life in a tree covered environment. Terraces and landscape create outdoor rooms in sunken courts to provide residences a private garden address off the busy streets.
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E DThe Residential Court Address
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Building Types
Corner Building................
Mixed-Use Building
Mid-Block Building AMid-Block Building B
Walk-up Flat Building Corner Building
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Passive Solar Design Al Fallah Passive Solar Design Criteria
Orient large openings on pri-marily shaded facades of buildings. Utilize punched openings in walls on sun-exposed facades.
Allow for recessed or covered outdoor living areas adjacent to living and bedrooms
Provide operable shutters on sun-exposed windows
Use awnings, fins, and trellises to further shield openings from direct sunlight
Use operable windows to capi-talize on prevailing breezes and cross ventilation.
Bamboo Awning Trellised entryway Inset balcony Balcony with awning covering
Operable shutters
Wood trellisWindow fins to protect against direct sunTrellised rooftop terrace
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Asswani Boulevard
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
D I S A S T E R R E C O N S T R U C T I O N
G U L F C O A S T
H A I T I3
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
m i s s i s s i p p i r e n e wa l f o r u m
gulf coast neighborhoodsa pat t e r n b o o k f or
Details and techniques for building andrenovating Gulf Coast houses
Cov1
u r b a n d e s i g n a s s o c i a t e s
louisianaspeaks:planningtoolkit
PREPARED FOR: LOUISIANA SPEAKS, THE LONG-TERM COMMUNITY PLANNING INITIATIVE OF THE LOUISIANA RECOVERY AUTHORITY
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
m i s s i s s i p p i r e n e wa l f o r u m
gulf coast neighborhoodsa pat t e r n b o o k f or
Details and techniques for building andrenovating Gulf Coast houses
Cov1
u r b a n d e s i g n a s s o c i a t e s
louisianaspeaks:planningtoolkit
PREPARED FOR: LOUISIANA SPEAKS, THE LONG-TERM COMMUNITY PLANNING INITIATIVE OF THE LOUISIANA RECOVERY AUTHORITY
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
neighborhood patterns
bn e i g h b o r h o o d p a t t e r n s 5
A Pattern Book for Gulf Coast Neighborhoods
n e i g h b o r h o o d p a t t e r n sb 4
A Pattern Book for Gulf Coast Neighborhoods
The Gulf Coast is comprised of a remarkable collection of distinct andunique places each with it’s own identity, inherited traditions and sense ofplace. Many factors combine to create this regional character including therich mix of cultures, the sub-tropical environment, the traditions of farm-ing and fishing as well as the migration of people the world over into andout of the region over time. From the early settlement influences of theFrench, Spanish and English, this mix of cultural traditions created a regionwith especially strong identities evident in the food, music, literature, archi-tecture, and dialect. This evolving identity is expressed in the character ofthe region’s comunities and architecture found in the most rural hamletsas well as the towns and the cities.Within this diverse range of settlements, there are common elements thathave emerged over time to create this fabric of Gulf Coast neighborhoodsand places.To understand the fundamental qualities and nature of the different set-tlement characters, we refer to the notion of a Transect, the heirarchy ofscale and location within the region. Rural landscapes with farmsteads orcoastal homesteads, small hamlets and villages, collective settlementsaround historic trading towns and government centers up to the largerurban centers. These areas are defined in the Smart Code, a tool used toguide planning and development policies based on the quality and char-acter of the type of place. When rebuilding in your own neighborhood, itis helpful to understand the underlying patterns, the way houses and build-ings are located on property, the size and character of streets, the preser-vation of agricultural or coastal land, the landscape and the architecture.
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Plan of Waveland, MS Plan of Bay St.Louis, MS Plan of Biloxi, MS
Settlement CharacterNeighborhoods and buildings have very dif-ferent character traits that create the distinctsense of place. The SmartCode has defined aseries of zones that include the most rural -T1 to T2 - to typical neighborhoods in townsand villages - T3 to T4, and urban centersthat have more of a mix of uses with a vari-
ety of building sizes and densities. Thesezones include traditional Main streets andareas with special uses - T5 and SD.
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E Ddl a n d s c a p e p a t t e r n s 65
A Pattern Book for Gulf coast Neighborhoods
l a n d s c a p e p a t t e r n sd 64
A Pattern Book for Gulf coast Neighborhoods
T3 and T4 neighborhood front yards
Gardens in the shallow yards of many in-town neighborhoods
A variety of sidewalk edging defines the entrance to the house
Hedges and gates define the front yard Turn-of-the-century front yard A variety of plantings define individual front yards
Landscape Elements
landscape patternsGulf Coast neighborhoods have a marvelous mix of flowering trees, shadetrees, perennials, hedges, ornamental grasses, ground covers, and pavingmaterials that create a distinct sense of place and character. Neighborhoodsof different densities have a broad range of street types, building setbacksand lot sizes, environmental location and public planting areas so the feeland character of each neighborhood is distinct. This section of the PatternBook is intended to provide guidance for homeowners regarding the pri-vate landscape elements found on individual lots within these varyingneighborhood locations from the more rural to the most urban.
The landscape elements that constitute the front yards are the primaryfocus for this section. These elements include steps, walls, piers, sidewalkand driveway materials, fencing, lighting and accessories as well as“softscape” materials such as plantings and hedges. This is where the land-scaping of the individual house contributes to the overall character ofthe street and neighborhood.Houses located in the most rural zones create more individual compoundsoften set deep into the lot. The pattern is often more informal. Historicpatterns along the traditional traces and roads often created more formalsequences into the private yard with tree lined streets and picturesque plant-ing within gracious yards. These were typical in the early mansions alongthe coast as well. The late nineteenth-century neighborhoods that com-prise much of the fabric in places like Biloxi often have a marvelous diver-sity and mix of large lots and small lots in a broad assortment of patterns.As the frontage along streets filled in over time, the houses typically hadshallower front yards that werewell planted, sometimes overflowing to thesidewalk or edged with a low wall between the public sidewalk and thefoundation planting of the house. Resort settlements like Waveland, havemore informal patterns less defined by tree lines or house fronts.
Front YardsThe majority of Gulf Coast front yardsare composed of a few key elements rang-ing from canopy and ornamental trees,foundation plantings (including orna-mental trees and shrubs), beds of flower-ing perennials and annuals, groundcover,expanses of grass lawns, and “hardscape”materials such as sidewalks, steps, lowwalls, fences, and driveways.
Due to the shallow depth of the frontyards in the more urban neighborhoods(T4), canopy trees in the lawn are nottypical. However, extensive foundationplanting and plots of green lawn edgedwith flower-beds, brick or stone are com-mon, as is the use of fencing, typically castiron with or without brick piers.The dis-tinct boundary between public and pri-vate—whether through a material changeor vertical element such as a short wall,fence or hedge is typical here.
The deeper front yards of the earlyresort neighborhoods allow the greenlawn to become the base for a variety ofplanting beds, hedges, shrubs, and a mixof canopy and ornamental trees thatframe the view of the house. The use ofplanting beds—whether groundcover,flowers, or low shrubbery—define thelawn as a “room.” Houses of this era aretypically raised and many have largeporches and stairs providing anothertransition area as one approaches theentrance.
Foundation PlantingFoundation planting varies from low,manicured evergreens to brightly coloredflowering bushes, to groundcover. All“ground” the house to the front yard.
Sidewalk EdgingSidewalk edge planting, which variesfrom ornamental grasses, to colorfulperennials and textured groundcovers,enhances the entrance and guides visitorsto many Gulf coast houses, regardless ofthe era.
Hedges Hedges are found throughout GulfCoast, and have been used historically asa transition between the public realm ofthe sidewalk and the front lawn of theprivate lot as well as a definer betweenhouse lots.
Other definers of individual lotsinclude any plant material such as orna-mental grasses, low shrubbery, and evengroundcover that is visually high enoughto define the room of the front yard.
T3 and T4 neighborhood front yards
Foundation plantings in early-twentieth-century neighborhoods (T3)
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
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a pattern book for gulf coast neighborhoods
Elements of Medium ScaleNeighborhood street
• Mixed -use but primarilyresidential
• Wide range of building types
• Varying setbacks
• Medium size blocks
Neighborhood Character
20' 5' 5'6'28'6' 15'
StreetFront YardSidewalk
Verge VergeSidewalk
Front Yard
Elements of Small ScaleNeighborhood street
• Low density suburban residentialareas
• Naturalistic planting
• Deep setbacks
• Large blocks
• Irregular roads to accommodatenatural conditions
varies varies20'
StreetFront Yard Front Yard
T3: THE SUBURBAN ZONE
T4: THE GENERAL URBAN ZONE
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The Gulf Coast HouseThe Architectural Patterns section buildson the Neighborhood Patterns described inthe previous section to create distinctplaces. Seven distinct building typolo-gies recur throughout the region and inthe Gulf Coast neighborhoods. Thisinventory of regional building types isadapted to reflect various architecturalstyles or vocabularies. In many older hous-es, styles were adapted over time as cer-tain patterns became popular. Whilethere are many variations on regionalhouse types, the types illustrated on thispage appear to dominate neighborhoodpatterns before World War II, through-out the region1 SIDE HALL HOUSES
These houses include ‘shotgun’ types aswell where the primary difference is thesingle room width bay on the shotgunand a wider house with a hallway alongone side to access rooms.Typically hippedroof but also gabled roofs are common.2 RAISED COTTAGE
This type is often called a Creole Cottageor Acadian Cottage. Influences are a mixof French and Spanish adaptations to theregion. Later versions include what isreferred to as an American Cottage withClassical detailing and a typical 5 baycomposition for windows and doors.3 L-SHAPED
These houses often have a perpendicularwing in the back or a cross gable wingthat forms a ‘T’ in plan. Porches or gal-leries often run along the side and tie intothe rear wing.
4 SIDE GABLE
This house type is found nationally andforms the simple rectangular form thatcan be adapted to most styles. In thisregion, the rear or the front can haveporches inset under the main roof.
5 PYRAMID
This house type is found throughout theregion typically as a one or one and a halfstory massing often called a Bayed Cot-tage. The floor to ceiling height is typi-cally taller to allow for deep porches.
6 TOWNHOUSE
Found in the heart of urban centers,many townhouses developed as mixed usetypes with commercial ground floors andresidential floors above. French influ-enced buildings often feature a balconyabove the ground floor.7 MIXED-USE BUILDINGS
These form the local commercial streetsand districts. Typically simple, two storyforms of masonry with plaster finishing.Balconies and repetitive openings onupper floors are typical. Decorative cor-nices of either wood or masonry.
1 SIDE HALL
Gulf Coast Building Types
3. L- SHAPE
2. COTTAGE
4. SIDE GABLE
5. PYRAMID
6. TOWNHOUSE
7. MIXED-USE
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
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Kit of Parts – Strategies to Meet FEMA Requirements
FEMA has outlined requirements in par-ticular zones to raise the finish floor ofnew homes to minimum heights abovesea level. Check local requirements todetermine specific site criteria. For moreinformation check with FEMA atwww.fema.gov.
This document includes a ‘kit of parts’to achieve these requirements in a man-ner derived from typical local and ver-nacular examples. These options can beused individually and together in combi-nation. In vernacular conditions, thestrategies were carefully designed not tooverwhelm the building’s scale. Not allbuilding types can be used with the mostrestrictive conditions. Basic strategiesinclude:
1 Raising the site with 4 feet of fill
2 4-foot base to raise the floor elevation
3 8-foot sub-story with a grand stair
Used in combination, they can reachup to 16 feet above original site grade.The diagram suggests how these optionscan achieve the maximum elevation.
Option 14-foot Raised SiteThe first option is to use fill toraised the building site up fourfeet. In more urban conditions, asite wall is used at the sidewalk tomaximize the flat areas of the site
Option 24-foot BaseThe most commonly used optionis to build the finish floor four feetabove grade. This is achieved withthe use of either piles or founda-tion walls
Option 38-foot Sub-Story withGrand StairAnother common option is toraise the house 8 feet above finishgrade. When a porch is used, thestair is often incorporated insidethe porch itself. In many cases, theground floor is enclosed withwalls to create useable uncondi-tioned space for vehicles andequipment
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ALTERNATIVE A
BUILDING BASE
Side HallSide Hall and Shotgun style houses typ-ically have very narrow forms. They aretraditionally raised above the ground sev-eral feet and accommodate a 4 foot highbase and a perpendicular set of steps toget up onto the porch.The two story Side Gable house is lesscommon but is also a traditional form inthe region. These houses often have twostory front porches and are articulated asVictorian style houses. Stairs are some-times pulled inside the porch structure.With the addition of a raised site, thehouse can achieve a 12 foot height abovesurrounding grade.
Raised CottageThese houses are the most adaptable tothe raised condition. Most traditionalhouses of this type are either raised 4 to6 feet with a storage area underneath theporch and the first floor, or they are raid-ed a full story with square masonry pierson the ground floor and the light woodporch structure above.These are found inthe rural (T1 and T2 transect areas) andas urban cottages as well. The diagramsillustrate the potential to add an addi-tional 4 foot base to the two story type toachieve a 12 foot height above grade. Ifthe site can be raised and additional 4feet, than the potential of 16 feet abovesurrounding grade can be achieved. Un-occupied ground floor exterior walls canbe articulated as louvered panels insetbetween square, masonry piers.
ALTERNATIVE B
SUB-STORY
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
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Gulf Coast House StylesA series of well developed architecturalstyles or vocabularies were popularthroughout the Gulf Region in the 19thand early 20th Century.These styles wereadapted by local builders through the useof early Pattern Books and later catalogsof house plans. Many of the early houseswere built without the aid of PatternBooks and are increasingly rare. Thesestyles represent the broader patternsfound in the neighborhoods constructedlargely before 1940.Each style has become adapted to thelocal environment and local building tra-ditions. Many patterns emerged from theinfluence of Caribbean builders and set-tlers trading with the West Indies andLatin America.
Four principal architectural styles giveneighborhoods their character:
1 Acadian-Creole
2 Victorian
3 Classical
4 Arts & Crafts
These styles are described in more detailwith typical key elements in the follow-ing pages.
Gulf Coast Architectural Styles
2 VICTORIAN
1 ACADIAN-CREOLE
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MASSING DIAGRAMS
MASSING COMBINATIONS
Massing CombinationsThe strong form of these houses limitsthe number of ways in which additionalwings can be added. Add-on wingsshould have similar roof pitches and betreated as separate “additions” to the basicform rather than part of a single complexform.
Facade CompositionAn informal relationship among the ele-ments enables window spacing, dormerplacement, and porch bays to each havetheir own spacing and dimensions.
EavesSimple unadorned eaves are characteris-tic of the Acadian-Creole style.They canhave exposed rafter ends that are shaped.A frieze board is used below the rafters.They can also be flush to the wall orbeam at the porch, or slightly projectingwith a boxed soffit.
WallThe first floor of an Acadian-Creolehouse is typically set three feet above thefinished grade for a one-story house andone foot above finished grade for a two-story house. For one-story houses, theminimum floor-to-ceiling height is 10feet. For two-story houses, the minimumfloor-to-ceiling height is 10 feet for thefirst floor and 9 feet for the second floor.
Window head heights should be 8 feetabove the floor for the first floor win-dows, and 7 feet to 8 feet for the secondfloor windows.
MassingA deep front porch is recessed within thevolume of the house under one roof.
The one-story houses are raised off theground three feet and have 16-inch by20-inch brick piers supporting each col-umn on the front porch. The two-storyhouse is typically a one-story house raisedon full-height brick piers. Dormers areadded to create a one-and-one-half- ortwo-and-one-half-story house. Porchescan wrap around one or more sides of thehouse.
BROAD FRONT
Rectangular volume with either a gabledor hipped roof. The pitch is typically 10-in-12
BROAD FRONT WITH DOUBLE PITCH ROOF
Rectangular volume with a side gabledroof.The roof has a pitch of 9-in-12 over
the main body and 6-in-12 over therecessed porch.
N A R R OW F R O N T
Rectangular or square volume with eithera side gabled or hipped roof. Side gabledroof has either a constant 10 in 12 pitchor a double pitch roof at the front , andmay have a double pitch roof at the rear.Hipped roof has a 10 in 12 pitch and theridge line, if any, runs perpendicular tothe front of the house.
S I D E H A L L
One-story narrow front rectangular vol-ume with either a hip or gable facing thestreet. Roof pitch is 8 in 12 to 10 in 12.A full width front porch is added to thevolume of the house. An inset porch mayalso run the full width of the hipped roofvolume.
Massing & Composition
TYPICAL EAVE DETAILS
24'–32'
1/3 1/3 1/3 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4
1/41/4 1/41/4 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5 1/5
32'–40'
32'–40' 36'–40'
Broad Front Broad Front with Double Pitch Roof
Narrow Front Side Hall
12"-18"
5/4" x 4"
7"10
"-12
"
10"
Open rafters Flush or boxed
1/2 1/2
12'–16'
FACADE COMPOSITION DIAGRAMS
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
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DOORS
SPECIAL WINDOWSSTANDARD WINDOWS
First floor
Second floor
Standard WindowsWindows are typically vertical in pro-portion with muntin patterns of 6 over 6or 9 over 9. Window panes are square orvertical in proportion. First floor windowscan have 4 over 4 or 2 over 2 muntin pat-terns as well. Standard windows are dou-ble-hung.
Special WindowsSpecial windows are typically smallaccent windows with 6 panes or in a 4over 4 muntin pattern. A single leaf shut-ter is often used. Dormer windows aremulti-paned in the 6 over 6 pattern.
ShuttersLouvered and board & batten shutters arecommon elements for windows anddoors.They should be sized to match thewindow sash and mounted with hardwareto appear operable.
DoorsMulti-pane doors are often used in lieuof windows on the first floor under theporch. Entry doors are typically 4-, 6- or8-paneled and include either a transomor a transom and sidelites.
Windows & Doors
TrimWindows and doors typically have 4-inch-wide trim with a backband. Classi-cal door surrounds are sometimes used atthe front door. Stone or wood lintels overwindows and doors are common ele-ments clad in brick or stucco.
3'-0"
6'-8
"4"
1’-4
"
4'-0"4"
6'-8
"4"
1’-4
"
4"
6'-8
"8"
1’-8
"
1'-8"
3'-0"
6'-2
"
5'-6
''
3'-0''
5'-6
''
3'-0''
2'-8''
4'-6
''
812
10''
6'-8
''
2'-0''
TYPICAL WINDOW DETAIL
4"2"
2"
2'-8"
2'-0
''
2'-0"
4'-0
''
Shutters
Eq
ual
to
hei
gh
t o
f w
ind
ow
op
enin
g o
r o
f sa
sh/f
ram
e
1/2 sashwidth
1/2 sashwidth
18''
7'-0
''
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Porch Roofs & EavesAcadian-Creole porches are symmetricaland run the full length of the facade.Columns have a regular spacing ofbetween 8 to 12 feet on center. Eaves canbe either open rafters or flush with theporch beam.
Columns & RailingsColumn types for one-story porches andthe second floor of two-story porchesinclude slender round or square Tuscancolumns, and chamfered or plain rectan-gular posts with out trim. Columns at thefirst floor of two-story porches are moremassive with either no detail, or a mini-mum capital expression.
Railings have square balusters spacedno more than 4 inches on center with
intermediate posts for railings over 9 feetin length.
Porch Location & MassingSide Hall houses have two “Bays” for thefront facade length, or three bays forporches that wrap one side. Houses 24 to32 feet wide have three bays for the frontfacade length, or four or five bays forporches that wrap one or two sides.Houses 36 to 40 feet wide have a five bayporch. The porch can extend beyond themain body of the house and wrap one ortwo sides.
Porches should have a minimum porchdepth of 8 feet. Porches are frame con-struction set up on masonry piers. Thespace between piers may remain openwithout infill.
PORCH COLUMN TYPES
Porches
TYPICAL PORCH LOCATIONS
Wrapped two sides
Wrapped one side
Full front porch
House
Porch
6"sq.6"-8"
8'-0
" to
9'-0
"
8'-0
" to
9'-0
"
3½"
3½"
3¼"
3"
1½" sq.
TYPICAL RAIL DETAIL
10''
1'-6
''8'
'9'
-4''
3'-0
''
3'-0
''
126
129
8''
8'-6
''1'
-0''
10'-0
''1'
-0''
3'-0
''
126
One-Story Porch Section
Two-Story Porch Section
129
PORCH TYPES
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D
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a pattern book for gulf coast neighborhoods
Elements of Medium ScaleNeighborhood street
• Mixed -use but primarilyresidential
• Wide range of building types
• Varying setbacks
• Medium size blocks
Neighborhood Character
20' 5' 5'6'28'6' 15'
StreetFront YardSidewalk
Verge VergeSidewalk
Front Yard
Elements of Small ScaleNeighborhood street
• Low density suburban residentialareas
• Naturalistic planting
• Deep setbacks
• Large blocks
• Irregular roads to accommodatenatural conditions
varies varies20'
StreetFront Yard Front Yard
T3: THE SUBURBAN ZONE
T4: THE GENERAL URBAN ZONE
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13
The Gulf Coast HouseThe Architectural Patterns section buildson the Neighborhood Patterns described inthe previous section to create distinctplaces. Seven distinct building typolo-gies recur throughout the region and inthe Gulf Coast neighborhoods. Thisinventory of regional building types isadapted to reflect various architecturalstyles or vocabularies. In many older hous-es, styles were adapted over time as cer-tain patterns became popular. Whilethere are many variations on regionalhouse types, the types illustrated on thispage appear to dominate neighborhoodpatterns before World War II, through-out the region1 SIDE HALL HOUSES
These houses include ‘shotgun’ types aswell where the primary difference is thesingle room width bay on the shotgunand a wider house with a hallway alongone side to access rooms.Typically hippedroof but also gabled roofs are common.2 RAISED COTTAGE
This type is often called a Creole Cottageor Acadian Cottage. Influences are a mixof French and Spanish adaptations to theregion. Later versions include what isreferred to as an American Cottage withClassical detailing and a typical 5 baycomposition for windows and doors.3 L-SHAPED
These houses often have a perpendicularwing in the back or a cross gable wingthat forms a ‘T’ in plan. Porches or gal-leries often run along the side and tie intothe rear wing.
4 SIDE GABLE
This house type is found nationally andforms the simple rectangular form thatcan be adapted to most styles. In thisregion, the rear or the front can haveporches inset under the main roof.
5 PYRAMID
This house type is found throughout theregion typically as a one or one and a halfstory massing often called a Bayed Cot-tage. The floor to ceiling height is typi-cally taller to allow for deep porches.
6 TOWNHOUSE
Found in the heart of urban centers,many townhouses developed as mixed usetypes with commercial ground floors andresidential floors above. French influ-enced buildings often feature a balconyabove the ground floor.7 MIXED-USE BUILDINGS
These form the local commercial streetsand districts. Typically simple, two storyforms of masonry with plaster finishing.Balconies and repetitive openings onupper floors are typical. Decorative cor-nices of either wood or masonry.
1 SIDE HALL
Gulf Coast Building Types
3. L- SHAPE
2. COTTAGE
4. SIDE GABLE
5. PYRAMID
6. TOWNHOUSE
7. MIXED-USE
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D18
sect ionP L A N N I N GA S S E M B LY K I TD
LOCAL SUSTAINABILITYREGIONAL SUSTAINABILITY
REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY
REGIONAL LAND USE
FLOOD MANAGEMENT
The Matrix Illustrated
T O O L K I T
LAN D S CAP E AN DNATU RAL SYSTE M S
F LO O D, W I N D, AN D STO R MWATE R MANAG E M E NT
TRAN S P O RTATI O N AN DUTI L IT I E S I N F RASTR U CTU R E
S U STAI NAB I L ITY
E Q U I T Y : A C C E S S I B I L I T YA N D A F F O R D A B I L I T Y
R E G I O N C ITY AN D TOWN N E I G H B O R H O O D
REGIONAL PLAN LOCAL PLAN
DEVELOPMENT BY USE
PROXIMITY TO SERVICES
STREET NETWORK
DRAINAGE PATTERNS
DEVELOPMENT RESTRICTIONS
NEIGHBORHOOD PLAN
STREET NETWORK
SOCIAL INTEGRATION
DEVELOPMENT BY BUILDING FORM
COMMERCIAL FRAMEWORK
RESIDENTIAL FRAMEWORK
PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION
FLOOD AND WIND ZONES
CONSERVATION AREAS
GREEN PRINCIPLES
I S S U E S S C A L E
D E V E LO P M E N T PAT T E R N S
R E S U LT S
B LO C K
19
APPLICATION
PARKING METHOD
SHADING AND ORIENTATION
CONSTRUCTION HARDENING
ARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS
BUILDING PAD
DRAINAGE TECHNIQUES
VEHICLE ACCESS
SOLAR EXPOSURE
LANDSCAPE ZONE
COMMERCIAL BLOCK PLAN
STREET AND ALLEY DESIGN
P A T T E R N B O O K
B U I LD I N GAR C H ITE CTU RAL AN D
LAN D S CAP E PATTE R N SLOT
GREEN ARCHITECTURE
BLOCK PLAN LOT PLAN BUILDING ON SITE BUILT NEIGHBORHOOD
DRAINAGE TECHNIQUES
NEIGHBORHOOD LANDSCAPE
RESIDENTIAL BLOCK PLAN
GREEN PRINCIPLES
LANDSCAPE PATTERNS
MASSING TYPERESIDENTIAL LOT
ACCESSIBILITY/VISITABILITY
RAISED BUILDING
MIXED-USE LOT
VISITABLE LOTBLOCK TO BLOCK ACCESS
ARCHITECTURAL PATTERNS
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D21
C o n s e r v a t i o n A r e a s D e v e l o p m e n t R e s t r i c t i o n s P a r k s a n d O p e n S p a c e N e i g h b o r h o o d L a n d s c a p e L a n d s c a p e Z o n e
R E G I O N C I T Y A N D T O W N N E I G H B O R H O O D B L O C K L O T
TERRACE: Prairie
TERRACE: Woodlands
HILLS
New Orleans
Baton Rouge
Mississippi River
Lake Charles
Lafayette
LOWLANDS: Marsh
LOWLANDS:Flood Plain
R E G I O N
>> Restore and protect coastal areas using the mostpromising emerging strategies, techniques, andtechnologies.
>> Base new development on conscious decisions toprotect and improve the health of natural and cul-tural resources so that their survival is ensured forfuture generations.
>> Ensure that watersheds, wetlands, woodlands, andwildlife protection are conceived and managed atthe regional scale. Apply those same principles tolocal and site-specific decision-making.
>> Use targeted incentives to encourage developmentin areas that would have the least negative effectson natural resources.
>> Use disincentives to discourage development inscenic or environmentally sensitive areas.
>> Avoid locating regional corridors, such as transitand infrastructure, in highly sensitive ecologicaland cultural areas.
>> Recognize that sustainable practices are onlyminimum standards. The goal must be to notonly restore and sustain the natural and culturalwealth of the region, but improve it through plansthat shift priorities from resource consumptiontoward resource conservation and use ofrenewable resources. Consider alternative crops,such as biofuels which can be used for energy.
>> Understand the interdependence of these systems,recognizing that the restoration of one impacts thehealth of the others.
>> Ensure that restoration of natural systems is basedon the natural form of the land and transcendspolitical boundaries.
>> Place sensitive land areas into conservation banks,easements, and other protective covenants. TheTrust for Public Land has developed programsthat provide the means for protecting sensitiveareas through such mechanisms as transfers ofdevelopment rights and easements.
>> Develop and implement sustainable agriculturalpractices; develop regional farmers markets.Programs should also include community-basedagriculture, organic farming, and new crops suchas biofuel products.
D-4 Map showing South Louisiana natural features – wetlands, streambeds, and woodlands.
D-5 Asheville, NC: The Wilma Dykeman RiverWay Master Plan. This regional plan shows a riverfront park conceived as a totalenvironment – a continuous roadway and trail system in a linear park setting within the city that preserves natural systemsand enhances surrounding areas.
D-6 Orlando, FL: South East Orlando Specific Plan. The Specific Plan established a framework of natural features thatdefined development rights for this mixed-use development. The natural systems in combination with the circulation networkformed the foundation for a series of districts as well as neighborhood, village, and town centers.
22
sect ionP L A N N I N GA S S E M B LY K I TD
C I T Y A N D TO W N
>> Address all systems of the urban plan (infrastruc-ture, drainage, power, cable, open space, wildlifecorridors, pedestrian networks, bikeways, masstransit, among others) as comprehensive, connect-ed networks so that alteration to natural systemsis minimized.
>> Recognize and take advantage of potential syner-gies (for example, drainage corridors developed asrecreational corridors).
>> Identify parks, squares, and open spaces havinghigh significance to the community over time andprovide for their preservation and rehabilitation.
>> Make institutions such as schools, colleges, civic,and religious buildings an integral part of the pub-lic open space network.
>> Build a community coalition to support agricul-tural communities on the urban edge.
>> Develop opportunities for small-scale agricultureand specialty crops using land unsuitable fordevelopment near or within urban areas (urbanhomestead model).
>> Protect agricultural edges by encouraging farmingmethods that are more compatible with urbanareas.
>> Offer incentives and technical assistance for newfarmers entering the profession.
>> Reflect the ecological and cultural conditions ofthe city’s or town’s location through the design ofits public landscape.
>> Emphasize the visibility of hydrologic anddrainage patterns when making public worksinfrastructure repairs or updates so that citizensare aware of the movement of water through theircommunity and the ways in which it is being man-aged to prevent flooding and pollution.
>> Ensure the health of streambed and bayou edgesso that they can accommodate a range of plantmaterials, respond to changes in water level, andprovide amenities such as bikeways and trails.
D-7 UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA: Analysis of Goleta Slough and area around campus showing sensitive natural areas.
D-9 UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA: Aerial view of plan for large-scale public open space that links institutions with neighborhoods.
D-8 UCSB, Santa Barbara, CA: Proposed plan for the area around the Goleta Slough which provides protection and definitionfor sensitive environmental features and uses them as a framework for development.
U R B A N D E S I G N A S S O C I A T E S N A E D30
sect ionP L A N N I N GA S S E M B LY K I TD
Transportation and Utilities Infrastructure
Existing transportation and utilities infrastructure support current development andshould be used to help determine efficient locations for future development based onwhere the system has unused capacity.
O V E R A L L T R A N S P O R TAT I O N N E T W O R K
The transportation network should be configured to support compact, mixed-usedevelopments, reinforce existing developed areas, and encourage alternative means oftransportation to provide people with transportation choices. The network should beconsidered as a whole – not just highways and roads. Rail, street networks, bikeways,trails, and waterways should be integrated into the planning process. Existing rail linesin Louisiana, some of which are underutilized, could be revived as transportation cor-ridors for rail, bike, or pedestrians.
Outside of older urban areas, the existing road network in South Louisiana is oftenpoorly interconnected, forcing drivers onto overcrowded main roads. As growth hap-pens, the system should be improved strategically. New road connections should bebuilt to create a more fully interconnected network, improvements should be con-structed to alleviate bottlenecks, and, where necessary, narrow roads should bethoughtfully expanded. Vehicular capacity should be only one concern. Streets are alsopart of the public realm. They are the public interface to new and existing develop-ments and they are a means of transportation for bicyclists and pedestrians. Also,opportunities to establish or enhance transit (bus, streetcar, or rail) in tandem withother improvements should be explored.
S T R E E T N E T W O R K S
City and town-scale streets should be interconnected to provide the most options for nav-igating within the community. It is most efficient to have many connected, two-lane streetsthat serve local traffic and feed onto larger streets. That way, peak traffic can flow on larg-er streets without local traffic needlessly congesting them. The more lanes there are onlarge streets, the more signalization is required, reducing the capacity of every lane.
Speed of traffic should not be confused with capacity. Streets with a speed of 25-30miles per hour are capable of carrying the most cars per lane. At faster speeds, carsrequire more distance between them, which actually reduces capacity.
Each neighborhood street pattern should be connected to the larger community’s inter-connected street network. The grid pattern is ideal in that it connects every address toevery other address. It is the best way to build larger scale community cohesiveness (asopposed to the insulated neighborhoods with cul-de-sac patterns).
For the past 50 years, state and national standards for street cross-sections have beenestablished primarily on the basis of moving vehicles with maximum efficiency. In recentyears, the planning and engineering professions have begun to recognize and elevate inimportance the other functions of streets, including creating an environment that accom-modates bikes and pedestrians and supports economic and social activity along theirroutes. For example, the physical dimensions of a local neighborhood street that handlesless than 500 cars per day should be much narrower than one that carries through-traf-fic. The design and dimensions of these streets should provide safe, pleasant pedestrianroutes, with crosswalks that give visual and functional priority to pedestrians.
U T I L I T I E S I N F R A S T R U C T U R E
Utilities infrastructure is costly to expand and, in South Louisiana, much of it is in needof repair. Land use policies should encourage new development within or directly adja-cent to existing urbanized areas with infrastructure so that available funds can be usedto improve and maintain existing systems, rather than to construct costly new ones. D-34 To be appropriate for the area they serve, street designs should respond
to their context. Above, the street types respond to different transect zones.
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R E G I O N C I T Y A N D T O W N N E I G H B O R H O O D B L O C K L O T
R e g i o n a l Tr a n s p o r t a t i o n S t r e e t N e t w o r k S t r e e t N e t w o r k Ve h i c l e A c c e s sS t r e e t a n d A l l e y D e s i g n
R E G I O N
>> Provide a range of primary and alternate routes ofdifferent scales, as well as road and street types,within the regional road network.
>> Consider using underutilized and/or abandonedrail lines as alternatives for freight and alsofor passenger travel to reduce dependenceon automobiles.
>> Develop a regional system of trails and bikewaysthat take advantage of the extraordinary naturalfeatures of South Louisiana and provide an alter-native means of transportation, as well as recre-ational amenities, for citizens.
>> Use the full range of cross-sections of streets androads and select the cross-section that is appropri-ate for the scale of use it serves and the quality ofthe environment through which it passes.
C I T Y A N D TO W N
>> Use the network of streets to determine potentialland use patterns.
>> Create an interconnected network of streets with arange of street dimensions, capacities, and speedsof vehicular traffic.
>> Relate the hierarchy of streets to the intensity anddensity of surrounding uses.
>> Optimize travel on primary arterials through thecommunity and provide a system that offersalternate routes.
>> Consider capacity over speed when designingthe street network.
>> Give pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles equalimportance in street design.
>> Design all streets to support walkable communi-ties, slowing traffic to enable the pedestrian circu-lation to be safe and enjoyable.
D-35 Charlotte, NC: New regional rapid transit system. D-36 Southwestern Pennsylvania: Regional transit andtransportation system.
D-37 Street designs should respond to their contexts. Here, transect zones provide guidance.
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Neighborhood Block & Lot Reconstruction Prototype
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