5.2.6 Gates Visual Theme

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Gates

The gates visual theme contains the various entrances to the installation.  These facilities are often referred to as entry control points.  These are the points where the security force screens personnel and vehicles and permits or denies entry. 

It is critical to the safety of everyone on the installation that these gate locations meet all force protection requirements.

5.2.6.1 Form, Shape, and Proportion

  • The structure of the gate facilities shall be expressed boldly yet in a straightforward manner.  Horizontal and vertical structural elements shall be visually dominant and exposed to view, producing a grid pattern. 
  • Force protection elements shall be fully designed and integrated into the facility; they should not look like an after thought or look tacked on.
  • Flat roofs are to be utilized.  If a sloped structure is used, the slope is not to be seen by people at ground level.  The maximum roof pitch is to be1:12 (vertical to horizontal).  Provide overhangs and canopies as necessary to provide cover from the elements to those working at the gate.
  • A horizontal emphasis shall be dominant and width/height ratio should be approximately 2:1 for elevations perpendicular to the gate traffic line of travel (both ingress and egress).  All buildings shall follow the orthogonal geometry.

 

5.2.6.2 Size, Massing, and Scale

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gates
  • Entrance gate facilities are limited to one (1) story with a total height of fifteen feet (I 5') maximum.
  • The building mass of the gate facility shall be limited to one (1) overall "block" or mass per building.  Offsets and intricate massing arrangements shall be avoided.
  • The gate facilities shall be appropriate in scale for human and vehicular interaction.  The gate facilities are not to be monumental in scale.  Overall building size shall be limited to a horizontal distance of thirty feet (30') maximum on any one exterior elevation.

 

5.2.6.3 Details

  • Structural elements such as beams, columns, fasteners, and connectors should be exposed to view to the maximum extent possible. 
  • All detailing shall provide clean, crisp, and uncluttered lines, which are expressed in like manner at all exterior elevations.  Force protection elements should be fully integrated into the design.
  • Large overhangs should be incorporated to protect security personnel and vehicles from the elements.

 

5.2.6.4 Material Placement

  • Brick - use as a main wall material on larger gate facilities, Pass & ID buildings, Visitors Centers, and other such facilities in the vicinity of the gates.
  • Concrete Masonry Unit (CMU) - integrally colored CMU can be used as a wainscot material or on the base of columns.
  • Precast - use for sills and trim pieces.
  • Standing seam metal roofing and fascia panels.
  • 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.
  • Fiberboard sheathing.
  • Aggregate panels.
  • Metal lap siding.
  • Corrugated metal.
  • Poured in place concrete - concrete foundations shall not be exposed to view except in locations where used as a force protection element.

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