11.3.20 PLAZAS AND COURTYARDS

11.3.20.1 Plaza and Courtyard Locations 

plaza and courtyards

Another element in improving the visual environment and quality of life at Fort Carson is the possible introduction and enhancement of outdoor pedestrian oriented spaces.  A plaza can very effectively provide a visual and functional oasis when the space has a sense of definition or enclosure, is separated from vehicular traffic and distracting activity, and is enhanced with appropriate landscaping and site amenities.

A significant opportunity for courtyard development and enhancement exists in the great majority of troop housing areas.  These building complexes already define and separate pedestrian oriented spaces, and improvements could be realized through effective use of plant materials, provision of accessories, and the strategic use of different paving materials.  The courtyard areas should be given serious consideration for redevelopment.

Another opportunity exists in the family housing "villages" for the development of plazas or courtyards.  These areas presently suffer from a lack of visual focus and space definition.  Common plaza areas, if centrally located and properly designed, could make a significant improvement to the character of the family housing areas.

• A minimum of one (1) courtyard shall be provided at all administrative and community/commercial facilities.  Courtyard outdoor space shall be provided at the rate of four hundred (400) square feet (37 sm) for every five thousand (5,000) square feet (465 sm), and fractions thereof, of gross building area contained in the building.

• Courtyards should typically be located near building entries, and may be immediately adjacent to the building or remote elsewhere on the site

11.3.20.2 Plaza and Courtyard Design

Courtyards must use the same design character, forms, materials, and colors as are used on the buildings in the vicinity of the plaza/courtyard, see the visual zone section for the materials to be used in the various visual zones.

For the walking surface material, use a material and color that are complementary to the adjacent building’s materials and colors.  Materials that are not completely impervious are recommended.

Orientation.  Courtyards should be located near the building such that the maximum number of people can use the courtyard.  The courtyard must be oriented to capture adjacent and distant views, which are pleasing.  In addition, each courtyard must be located to take advantage of climatic variations, to provide locations that are comfortable all year, not just during summer months.

Landscaping.  Each courtyard must have landscaping provided over an area equal to twenty (20) percent of the required square feet (square meters) of courtyard space.  At a minimum, deciduous trees and evergreen shrubs must be used to provide summer shade and visual screening.  Courtyard landscaping must be provided specifically within the courtyard, and is in addition to any building related landscaping required by the guidelines in Landscape Section of the IDG.

Courtyards should accommodate site furnishings as described in the previous paragraphs in this section.  At a minimum, each courtyard must have one (1) trash receptacle, one (1) bench, moveable or built-in planters, and one (1) picnic table with seating.  Design of site furnishings will depend on which zone the courtyard is located in.

Site Furnishings