5.3.4.1 Gates Visual Zone D1
The Gates Visual Zone encompasses all the various gates or entrances to the installation that are scattered along the perimeter of the installation.
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pass & id building |
5.3.4.1.1 Visual Character
5.3.4.1.1.1 Attitude
The various gates at Fort Carson provide a first impression and the first interface with residents, employees, and visitors to the installation. As such, they must project professionalism to all entering the installation.
One key element for building design in the entrance gate areas is to provide a visual hierarchy of importance among the gates. Gates 1, 4, and 20 should be the more important gates, with Gates 2, 5, and 3 reflecting lesser importance.
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main gate |
Particular attention must be paid to the layout at the base entry gates to ensure adequate security, safety, and control of visitors. At the same time, a positive image with an appropriate hierarchy of signage and landscaping should be presented.
5.3.4.1.1.2 Elements
The following is a list of elements that can be found or are used in the Gates Visual Zone:
- Overhangs to protect security personnel from the elements
- Security devices, crash bars, barriers,
- Guard shack, with viewing windows.
- Visitor Center, Pass and ID Building.
5.3.4.1.1.3 MATERIALS
The materials used in this visual zone shall correlate with the Visual Theme that is set for the type of facility in question.
Gates Materials
See Section 8 Building Design, Exterior Materials for the material colors that are to be used in this visual zone.
Material types and colors for new facilities, renovations, and additions should coordinate or match those on adjacent facilities or on the existing facility being worked on. Deviations need to be approved by DPW at the 35% design phase.
Where possible, material selection should be guided by the LEED™ rating system and by the requirements necessary to attain the relevant LEED™ credits. See Appendix D and Appendix E.
5.3.4.1.2 Visual Analysis Map
5.3.4.1.3 Assets
5.3.4.1.3.1 Site Planning
- The entrance gates are modern and up-to-date with a sense of entry or arrival.
5.3.4.1.3.2 Buildings
- Uniform architecture and access are visually pleasing and add to the enhancement of the post.
5.3.4.1.3.3 Circulation
- Circulation is clearly defined. The traffic at the main gate flows well.
5.3.4.1.3.4 Plant Materials
- There are mature trees and shrubs in the vicinity of Gate 1, main entrance, which are a great asset to the visual aesthetic of this entrance.
- Open space in the vicinity of most post entry gates is pleasing.
- Mature evergreen trees from the main entrance along Nelson Boulevard provide a partial entry procession toward the Post Headquarters.
5.3.4.1.3.5 Site Elements
- Signage is consistent and meets IDG requirements.
5.3.4.1.3.6 Force Protection
- Force protection elements are designed as part of the gate facilities and do not look tacked on
5.3.4.1.4 Liabilities
5.3.4.1.4.1 Site Planning
5.3.4.1.4.2 Buildings
- In some areas, unscreened ground-mounted and roof-mounted mechanical equipment are prominent visual elements.
5.3.4.1.4.3 Circulation
- Parking areas are dominated by cars. Screening and landscaped islands have not been used.
5.3.4.1.4.4 Plant Materials
- Plantings around parking areas do not screen cars from view.
5.3.4.1.4.5 Site Elements
- Pedestrian trash receptacles are out of character with adjacent buildings and are inconsistent.
- Dumpsters are located in a haphazard manner and are unscreened.
- Transformer and similar utility items are exposed to view near roads and parking areas.
5.3.4.1.4.6 Force Protection
5.3.4.1.5 Recommendations
5.3.4.1.5.1 Site Planning
5.3.4.1.5.2 Buildings
5.3.4.1.5.3 Circulation
- The functional and visual importance of Nelson Boulevard dictates that the roadway hierarchy must be visually represented at its highest level. This must include improved curbs, appropriate pedestrian improvements, complete landscaping treatment, and a comprehensive street lighting system that extends continuously from Gate 1 to Post Headquarters.
- Parking lots in this zone must be screened. Use earth berms and/or a combination of landscaping and berms to accomplish appropriate screening.
5.3.4.1.5.4 Plant Materials
- Landscape, screening, and other improvements should continue to allow nearby Post Chapel Center to act as a community focal point experience during the approach to the Post Headquarters. All improvements must be implanted with the visual concentration directed toward Post Headquarters.
- The existing evergreen trees along Nelson Boulevard should be maintained and enhanced as a major asset. These trees provide definition to the roadway, visual filtering of adjacent areas, the beginnings of a focus on the headquarters, and provide a distinct “Rocky Mountain” image for this roadway.
- Incorporate new evergreen trees along the northern edge of Nelson Boulevard and add accent planting within the median.
- Landscape screening should be provided to hide unattractive views to the south.
5.3.4.1.5.5 Site Elements
- Service yard and dumpster areas within and adjacent to this zone must be screened from view from building entry areas and all primary roads within the zone.
- It is critical that this area have a unified, coordinated, and consistent signage system that is attractive and effectively communicates information to motorists entering and leaving the post.
5.3.4.1.5.6 Force Protection
- Force protection setbacks should be considered with all new projects in the area.
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