section 5 - visual themes & zones

5.1 Introduction

The visual themes and zones were determined after performing several site surveys of Fort Carson.  These surveys were conducted using existing installation maps, visual inspection, interviews, questionnaires, and photographs to record impressions of visual and spatial impacts.  The data captured was used to define the visual themes and zones of the Installation.

The guidelines contained in this IDG seek to control visual elements such as building form, material, and color within each of the visual zones.  Careful use of these elements can directly promote a unifying visual quality that is unique to each zone.  Subjects such as building function, interiors, and overall layout of floor plans are addressed in other sections of the IDG.  The guidelines are biased to enhance positive visual qualities in building design, and to discourage negative qualities. 

The building design guidelines are not intended to be a substitute for the Uniform Building Code, the Life Safety Code Handbook, the Architect Engineer Instruction Manual, or any other applicable codes, regulations, or technical manuals.  The guidelines are intended to be used in conjunction with those applicable publications to provide an image tailored precisely for Fort Carson's specific needs.

The visual theme section takes similar types of facilities and groups them together dictating the size, scale, level of detail, and which materials are acceptable for the various facility groups.  For example the materials and level of detail required on a new administration facility will be different than those required on a new maintenance facility.  The visual zones then take these requirements for the facilities and set the attitude, elements, and color strategy.  For example, a new administration facility built south of Prussman in the tan zone will use different colors and materials than an new administration built next to the post headquarters. The table below starts to show how the facility groups or Visual Themes are dispersed throughout the various Visual Zones.

INSTALLATION DESIGN GUIDE