2.3 Analyze Contextual Data

Question 1

What are contextual factors that should be considered when siting a building in a site (or program for that matter?)

Answer 1

Terrain
Climate
Proximity to nearby streets and buildingss

Question 2

Sustainable and livable neighborhoods bring what elements together in close proximity?

Answer 2

Residential
Commercial
Civic Uses
Outdoor Recreation

Question 3

Human scaled streetscapes are typically enclosed by buildings that are _ stories in height

Answer 3

2-4

Question 4

If the buildings are taller, higher stories may be __ from the street edges

Answer 4

Recessed or stepped back

Question 5

Important in the design of buildings in downtown commercial districts, neighborhood centers, and other similar streetscapes intended for pedestrians. Specifically important for the building’s first story

Answer 5

Transperency

Question 6

How does context play an important role when siting a building?

Answer 6

-Urban vs. rural setting: What may be appropriate in one might not suit the other
-Neighborhood design guidelines: Does this fit the overall visual continuity of the area?
Exceptions could be if it is meant to be an iconic building.

Question 7

Principles for siting buildings in rural and suburban settings include

Answer 7

• Reuse previously disturbed sites (grey, brownfields) to minimize site-clearing and natural habitats
• Preserve existing vegetation (in turn, provides energy-conserving shade and wind protection)
• Take advantage of natural site features
• Maximize benefits for building and site occupants (thermal comfort, aesthetic views)
• Orient building with the long side on the east west axis to allow for the greatest winter solar gains and minimize cooling loads from excessive solar heat gain
• Minimize stormwater runoff and mitigate erosiion to reduce topsoil loss and protect surface water quality
• In colder climates, locate driveways, parking, entrances and loading docks on the south side of the building to minimize snow and ice build up

Question 8

Design guidelines typically seek to ensure that new development is responsive to site and context and also enhances the character of the community and neighborhood

Answer 8

Form Based Development Code