5.2.2 Community / Community Support Visual Theme

Click to enlarge image
COMMISSARY

The buildings in the Community/Community Support Facilities Visual Theme come in all different shapes and sizes.  

Below is a list of Facilities that fall under the Community/Community Support Visual Theme:

  • Post Exchange

  • Credit Union

  • Theater

  • Hospital

  • Golf Course Clubhouse

  • Bowling Alley

  • Barber Shop

These facilities are all very different in function, but all serve the public and should present a positive first impression.

The community support facilities accommodate a vast number of people and activities and should reflect the dynamic visual environment found in many private sector retail centers.  This visual interest and activity must be supported by a strong expression of unity and stability.  The building designs, while being stable and functional, lack the dynamic expression of activity required to serve as a community focal point.

5.2.2.1 Form, Shape, and Proportion

  • The community facilities structure (form, shape, and proportion) shall boldly and honestly express the unique function of each facility type.
  • Roof types shall also reflect the function of the facility.  Large box stores should have a flat roof structure.  Gabled, hipped, pitched, and pyramid shapes should be used to express individuality at each separate facility, with maximum pitch 6:12.  Low sloping roof configurations shall be hidden behind parapets or similar devices at all points along the building perimeter, such that the sloped roof outside edge shall not be exposed to view.

 

5.2.2.2 Size, Massing, and Scale

Click to enlarge image
Size, Massing & Scale
  • The maximum height of principal buildings shall not exceed seventy-five feet (75'), and shall be limited to not more than two (2) stories.
  • Building mass shall be broken into horizontal or vertical segments to reduce apparent size.  Intricate massing arrangements shall be avoided.  Offsets and indentations of the exterior wall planes shall occur at entries and similar fenestration features.  Overall massing may be either symmetrical or asymmetrical in nature.
  • The scale of the community facilities may project an image of a commercial (medium) or industrial (large) sized building.
  • The entries and fenestration patterns of the large commercial facilities need to be designed to bring human scale to the overbearing nature of these facilities.

 

5.2.2.3 Details

Click to enlarge image
brick and cmu combination detail
Click to enlarge image
Canopy at Entrance
 
  • Entries shall be clearly defined and enhanced with appropriate landscaping.
  • Brick and CMU are to be used as the main exterior materials and the configuration and placement of the various materials and various textures of the materials is key to the overall aesthetic.  Details such as variations in bond patterns, corbelling, soldier courses, or similar masonry techniques are encouraged.
  • All detailing shall provide clean, crisp and uncluttered lines, which are expressed in like manner at all exterior elevations.
  • Fenestration at entries shall be recessed behind the building principal wall plane a minimum distance of four feet (4'), providing a protected entry area.  Overhangs and canopies can also be utilized at entries for protection from the weather.
  • Large service, loading dock, or garage type doors shall be carefully screened from entries, and similar people places, and shall be insulated.

 

5.2.2.4 Material Placement

Click to enlarge image
Material Placement
Click to enlarge image
Materials
 
  • Brick - over 50% of the material on the front façade is to be brick.  Brick can be used in combination with CMU to provide an appealing pattern that will break up the large expansive façades. 
  • Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) - integrally colored CMU can be used in combination with brick to provide an appealing pattern that will break up the large expansive façade s.  CMU may be the primary material on the side and back of the larger facilities.  CMU, in various textures (split faced, ribbed, ground faced, sand blasted), can be used to create different patterns and effects.  Do not paint CMU.
  • Precast - use for sills and trim pieces.
  • Precast panels - may be used as a cost savings measure for the large box-type facilities.  The precast panel must be clad in a brick/CMU combination as described above on the front façade.  DPW may require that this type of treatment also continue around the facility if the façade is prominent and visible to the public. 
  • Stucco - shall be smooth or sand finish at fascia panels, with control joints at eight feet (8') maximum on center.
  • Light-colored reflective roofing membrane - flat and low sloped roof areas.
  • Standing seam metal roofing - all pitched/sloped roofs.
  • Pre-finished metal flashing and trim - all locations where trim is needed, parapet flashing.
  • Pre-finished aluminum - storefront and window systems.

Prohibited materials - these materials shall not be exposed to view:

  • Shingle roofing.
  • Wood.
  • Fiberboard sheathing.
  • Aggregate panels.
  • Metal lap siding.
  • Corrugated metal.
  • Poured in place concrete, concrete foundations shall not be exposed to view.

 

 

  
 

Visual Theme Categories