8.3 Structure Character

The character of installation architecture varies according to the use of the structure and when it was built. This use and age variation can result in character incompatibilities. The difference in character also happens when the designer ignores the character and scale of adjacent buildings or uses an imitative technique unsuccessfully.

The coordination of structural character on an installation provides a consistent and coherent “sense of order” and “sense of place.” This relationship of design comes from using compatible scales, massing, form, color, texture, materials, and fenestration. These design techniques can be utilized in the visual review and analysis of the installation. They are further explained below:

8.3.1 SCALE

scale

Scale refers to the size of a building façade in relation to humans. Buildings that include predominant vertical façades that dwarf the individual are defined as monumental in scale. Buildings with more horizontal façades designed to relate more to the size of the human figure are defined as human scale. The scale of most buildings on installations should be more human than monumental. All new construction should be compatible in scale with adjacent buildings. Monumental architectural design is typically utilized for ceremonial type buildings, such as worship centers, headquarters complexes, and hotel facilities. These buildings make use of large, glazed areas at entrances and oversized fenestration elements to create a scale appropriate to the building’s use. Scale and relief should be provided through roof form, fenestration, building articulation, and landscape plantings.

8.3.2 MASSING

massing

Massing refers to the overall bulk or volume of a building or buildings. The size and proportion of the individual buildings in a grouping of buildings should be designed to be proportionally compatible with the adjacent structures.

8.3.3 FORM

The form of a building is determined by its size, mass, shape, and proportions. The use of similar building forms provides continuity to the installation architectural impact. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing environment.

8.3.4 COLOR

color and form contribute to a sense of place

The use of a color scheme that is consistent throughout the installation, where possible, results in a continuity of buildings and contributes to a sense of place. However, color schemes throughout the installation vary according to the visual zone and visual theme in which the structure is located.

8.3.5 TEXTURE

The use of materials of similar texture in buildings helps to provide visual continuity for the installation.

8.3.6 MATERIAL

The use of the same materials in the exterior finish and trim of buildings helps provide visual continuity.

At Fort Carson, brick masonry construction is typical of the administrative and community facility zones. This precedent is appropriate for many practical reasons such as construction versatility, low maintenance, and ready availability.

color and texture

Symbolically, brick is a material that characterizes "strength," "stability," and "tradition." Thus, it is a very appropriate material for Post Headquarters and major administrative facilities. This symbolic association, combined with its aesthetic richness and human scale, also makes it appropriate for community facilities. These established patterns of material selection (with their corresponding colors) should be extended and enhanced in the future. Specific requirements with regard to building materials and colors are included in the Building Design Guidelines. Exterior building materials should always be designated as primary or secondary.

another exapmple of color and texture

Fort Carson is located in a geographic area that can experience instances of adverse weather throughout the year, including periods of sustained high winds (exceeding 60 MPH) and thunderstorms with large hail, both of which can damage the exteriors of buildings. To minimize future maintenance and repair costs, all roofing systems installed on the installation must withstand a 60mph sustained wind and a 100mph wind gust. Designers to verify this information with the local required codes.

primary and secondary materials

Avoid a disordered application of several different materials without focus on their hierarchy. By definition:
- Primary materials, constituting the majority of a building's exterior, provide the greatest visual impact. Most generally, a building's exterior should consist of a single primary material.

Secondary materials are those that cover smaller, lesser portions of a building's exterior wall surface or appurtenances. These materials most commonly appear as fascia panels, material accents at entries, doors, trim, and other accessory items. To avoid visual clutter and to reinforce the effectiveness of an overall architectural composition, a limited pallet of secondary materials should be used. They should generally be limited to not more than two major secondary materials on building surfaces or design elements, and to not more than three selections for other accessory items.

Wood products, in their various forms, with their inherent tendency to result in maintenance problems in Fort Carson's climate, should be avoided at all applications where they will be exposed to weathering. Minor exceptions for occasional applications in family housing areas and elsewhere, such as detailed features at doorways, which can be protected from the elements, are allowed.

8.3.7 FENESTRATION

fenestration breaks up mass

Technically, building fenestration is defined as any area in the external skin of a building that allows light to pass through. By definition, fenestration refers collectively to a building’s windows, skylights, doors, transparent or translucent panels, and associated decorative detailing. These features should be similar in arrangement, design, size, and proportion for architectural compatibility and visual consistency and continuity.

Fenestration design and selection needs to be done in consideration of the interplay between fenestration size, placement, and type with solar heat and light gain. For more information on fenestration design, see Appendix D.