The following photographs from throughout the country illustrate key urban design principles. Photographs are provided to illustrate the overall urban design concepts described in Chapter 1 of the Downtown Ann Arbor Design Guidelines as well as each primary design guideline topic in Chapter 2. Although the noted design elements illustrated in each photograph would meet the, other elements depicted in the photographs may not be appropriate for downtown. Site Planning 1.0 Site Context Note: The Site Context section of the Design Guidelines references the specific design character surrounding sites in downtown Ann Arbor. The characteristics of each area are illustrated in Chapter 3. 2.0 Pedestrian Circulation Systems Landscaping, site furniture and pedestrian-scaled lighting can help define a mid-block passage. Pedestrian amenities, landscaping and decorative paving may be used to define walkways and help express human scale. Provide direct pedestrian access from a public sidewalk to the primary uses and spaces on a property. A mid-block passageway provides an opportunity for enhanced exposure for retail establishments while also strengthening the pedestrian circulation network. Pag e 2-23
3.0 Sustainability in Site Planning A mid-block passage can provide solar access and natural ventilation to multiple properties. Deciduous trees may be located to provide summer shade where it is important to maintain solar access in the winter. This LEED certified building provides deciduous landscaping which allows for winter sun to reach building facades as well as the adjacent courtyard. A mid-block passage helps provide solar access and natural ventilation to multiple properties. Pag e 2-24
4.0 Setbacks and Alignment A sense of scale is established when facade components have enough depth to cast shadows. Variations in wall planes also enhance visual interest. Most buildings along primary frontages within commercial and mixed-use areas should be oriented to the street and built directly against the sidewalk. Buildings should orient to street edges, internal open space and solar access. Pag e 2-25
5.0 Open Space Open space can be used to activate the street edge. Deciduous landscaping provides summer shade and winter sun. Open space areas should be directly connected to public sidewalks or circulation systems. Access may be provided via a mid-block passage. Frontages along walkways and mid-block passages should be designed with a similar level of detail to that accorded to primary facades. Open space should provide visual interest and serve as a focal point on the site. Plazas should be planned to accommodate changing uses and provide places to sit and watch activities. Public art may be used to enhance open spaces. Pag e 2-26
6.0 Surface Parking & Driveways Landscape elements at the street edge should provide screening between parking area and streetscape. A low masonry wall may also help provide interest and a sense of scale along the edge of a surface parking lot. Trees, a low hedge, and a metal fence help screen a surface parking lot. Stone piers provide a sense of progression for pedestrians. A stone wall, metal fence and trees help screen a surface parking lot. At the corner of the site, an automated teller machine helps animate the street edge. Pag e 2-27
7.0 Parking Structures The entry to this parking structure is oriented to the rear and faces a surface lot; it is subordinate to the overall facade composition. Office and residential uses are above. A parking structure wrapped with active street edge uses helps preserve the continuity of the streetscape. Articulating the facade of parking garages and other larger buildings as multiple modules can help reflect traditional lot and building widths. Planters and architectural screens add visual interest to parking structures that include at-grade parking. When a parking structure is not fully wrapped with active uses, screens and other architectural details may be used to convey the proportions of traditional windows. Although the first floor of many mixed-use buildings may be primarily devoted to parking, the inclusion of retail storefronts along some portion of the sidewalk edge can help encourage an active pedestrian environment. Pag e 2-28
Building Massing 8.0 Building Height To provide variety in height and vertical masses in large structures, a tower element may be set back from the lower podium. Setting taller building elements back from a lower podium can help maintain traditional streetwall heights as seen from the sidewalk. A row of new infill buildings defines the streetwall while also varying the height of parapets and cornices. This building steps down in height at its corners, enhancing the availability of light and air to adjacent spaces. Variation in building heights and materials helps express and maintain human scale in this single structure. Pag e 2-29
9.0 Building Modules and Articulation The horizontal articulation of building elements can help break down the scale of taller structures. Varied building massing and changes in wall planes can help break down larger contemporary buildings into smaller modules that reflect traditional patterns. Changes in horizontal details and materials can help define first and second floors. Variations in wall planes in this single structure also express the rhythm of traditional lot widths. Porches and balconies help reflect the articulation of buildings in areas that are predominantly residential. Larger buildings should be divided into modules that convey a sense of human scale and proportion. Pag e 2-30
10.0 Human Scale Use of building elements such as display windows and landscaping can help engage pedestrians, provide a sense of human scale and convey visual interest. Distinguishing the first floor from upper floors though a change in color, texture and materials can help convey a sense of human scale. Material detailing and landscaping may be used to create a sense of scale where a storefront is not feasible. Building articulation, wall plane setbacks, materials and details help establish human scale. Pag e 2-31
11.0 Roof Form The variation of roof forms and materials adds to the interest of this residential building. A sloped roof form helps to distinguish the residential portion of a building. Roof forms with a distinct parapet or cornice line can help reinforce a vertical base, middle and cap building articulation. A parapet can help reinforce a traditional vertical base, middle and cap building articulation. Pag e 2-32
12.0 Sustainability in Building Massing Building facade and roof elements provide seasonal shading devices for windows receiving direct sunlight. The masses of this LEED certified building are oriented to support passive solar reception. Pag e 2-33
Building Elements 13.0 Windows New interpretations of traditional upper windows can contribute to the patterns of a street block. Smaller panel sizes and moldings help maintain a human scale and highlight entries when larger areas of glass are used. Traditional storefront window proportions in a contemporary mixed-use project help maintain pedestrian interest and scale. Window size and placement help express human scale. Pag e 2-34
14.0 Entries A clearly defined primary entrance oriented toward the street. A clearly defined, protected primary entrance oriented toward the street. A recessed entry oriented towards the street. The traditional building line is maintained by the upper floors. A primary entrance defined through use of a canopy and recessed entry. Pag e 2-35
15.0 Canopies and Awnings A canopy helps to highlight a recessed entry area. A canopy can help define building entries. Canopy materials should reflect the character, materials, and scale of the building. A canopy can help to define the first floor of a building. Pag e 2-36
16.0 Materials Architectural block and detailing helps maintain a sense of texture and provides visual interest. High quality, durable materials will maintain their intended finish over time. High quality stone, metal and glass help convey human scale and visual interest. Creative, contemporary uses and applications of materials are encouraged. Pag e 2-37
17.0 Sustainability in Building Elements Sustainable materials were used in the construction of this LEED certified building. Sun screens and a green roof help promote sustainable design. This LEED certified school building used local building materials, all obtained within a 500 mile radius of the site. Sun screens help control solar gain. Pag e 2-38