2.2 Design Guide Process

The IDG includes a process for analysis, planning, design and implementation. This process includes the following steps:

Desired Image

Visual Zone Map

2.2.1 Setting Goals and Objectives

The installation develops a set of goals and objectives that address the visual requirements of the installation. The goals and objectives provide a pre-determined image that helps create a visually pleasing and optimally functional environment.

2.2.2 Conduct Visual and Spatial Surveys

Two visual surveys are preformed in the preparation of the IDG. The first survey establishes the visual zones and themes of the installation. The second survey documents the assets and liabilities within each visual zone. Chapter 5 of UFC 2-600-01 details the method for conducting the installation visual survey.

2.2.2.1 ESTABLISH vISUAL zONES AND tHEMES

The Information gathered during the first survey is used to establish the visual zones of the installation. The visual zones are delineated by the visual characteristics of an area defined as the "look and feel" of an area together with the dominant features that help define its image. A functional analysis of each zone organizes the visual impressions and assesses their functional relationships to determine the visual character and unifying motif. Typical visual characteristics include unique buildings, vehicular and pedestrian corridors, functional use, natural features, and spatial relationships.

Visual zones with similar characteristics are then grouped together to form a broader category called themes. Example themes include, community life theme, operations support theme, buffer/open space theme, and industrial theme.

2.2.2.2 Determine Assets and Liabilities

The second survey is conducted to analyze each visual zone specific visual impacts. The objective of the inventory is to define the visual assets and liabilities within each visual zone.

Assets. Assets are positive visual elements, design elements or features that enhance the surroundings, either visually or functionally.

Liabilities. Liabilities are negative visual elements, design elements or features that detract from the visual image or functionality of the surroundings. Liabilities should be corrected through appropriate design measures and are the basis for recommendations for improvement.

2.2.2.3 Recommendations and Implementation Plan

The assessment of each visual zone includes recommendations to correct liabilities and where desired to enhance assets. The recommendations are included in projects developed by the Directorate of Public Works. Area Develoment Guides in section 6 also include projects to correct liabilities identified in each visual zone.

2.2.3 Design Components

The following seven design components, described in sections 7 through 13, provide guidelines and standards from which to conduct the visual zone review and analysis.

Section 7, Site Planning

Section 8, Buildings

Section 9, Circulation

Section 10, Landscape

Section 11, Site Elements

Section 12, Force Protection

Section 13, fire and life safety

2.2.4 Design Principles

The visual inventory and analysis requires an understanding of basic design principles. These design principles are discussed in Section 3, paragraph 3.3.

2.2.5 Visual Elements

The design principles are utilized to define the visual elements described in Section 3 paragraph 3.4. The assessment and classification of visual elements follows basic design principles describing positive and negative visuals elements of design.