OurTown Vision Book

C H A R A C T E R V I S I O N C O N C E P T SF O R

P R E S E N T E D T O T H E

R E D C L AY D E V E L O P M E N T C O M P A N Y

C H A R A C T E R

V I S I O NC O N C E P T S

fo rR E D C L AYD E V E L O P E R S

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©1996 Design Traditions, Inc.All rights reserved. No par t of thispubl ica t ion may be reproduced orused in any form or by any means-g raphic, e lectronic , or mechanical ,including photocopying , recording ,taping , or infor mation storage andretr ieva l systems- without wri t tenpermission of Design Tradit ions®.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i a

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

PLACE MAKING ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

CHARACTER DETERMINANTS ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

CHARACTER VISION STATEMENT ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

CONCEPTUAL LAND PLAN

DIAGRAMMATIC PLAN... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

PRELIMINARY LAYOUT ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

ARCHITECTURAL CHARACTER

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7

RESIDENTIAL REFERENCE SKETCHES .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

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CHARACTER SKETCHES

A. GROCERY STORE........................................................................................................................................................9

B. GAS STATION..............................................................................................................................................................10

C. OFFICE BUILDING COMPLEX ..........................................................................................................................11

D. ENTRANCE GATE ....................................................................................................................................................12

E. APARTMENTS ............................................................................................................................................................13

F. TOWN CENTER CHURCH ..............................................................................................................................14

MEETING HALL ................................................................................................................15

SHOPS ....................................................................................................................................16

INEMA....................................................................................................................................17

G. NARROW LOT STREETSCAPE ..........................................................................................................................18

HOMES ..................................................................................................................................19

H. LIBRARY ........................................................................................................................................................................20

I. DAYCARE CENTER ..................................................................................................................................................21

J. FIRE STATION ............................................................................................................................................................22

K. CLUSTER HOMES ....................................................................................................................................................23

L. GOLF VILLAS ..............................................................................................................................................................24

M. CENTRAL PARK ........................................................................................................................................................25

N. SWIM & TENNIS CENTER ..................................................................................................................................26

O. MANOR HOMES ......................................................................................................................................................27

P. PARK COMMON........................................................................................................................................................29

Q. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK ......................................................................................................................................30

R. CLUBHOUSE................................................................................................................................................................31

S. GOLF COURSE............................................................................................................................................................32

T. SALES CENTER ..........................................................................................................................................................33

U. EQUESTRIAN CENTER ........................................................................................................................................34

V. ESTATE HOME ..........................................................................................................................................................35

THE DESIGN PROCESS ................................................................................................................................36

THE DESIGN TEAM..........................................................................................................................................37

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Rather than a marketing book, the vision book focuses on the big picture and is a work-ing tool for the developer. It allows for flexibility. As with all early stage conceptualdesign, these illustrations and text are modifiable and can change with future considera-tions.

Primary Areas of StudyInclude:A. Character Determinants - a review of the

projects primary influences, context, and program

B. Character Vision Statement - a statement of

community and architectural design themes

C. Conceptual Land Plan - a conceptual layout

accompanied by text and/or diagrams

D. Character Sketches - a series of sketches

illustrating views of architecture and outdoor

spaces throughout the project

E. The Design Process - a two step process outline

in achieving the developments visionary goals

F. The Design Team - a graphic illustrating key

design professionals and their contribution to the

process.

When we think of great American cities like Charleston,Annapolis and St. Augustine, we admire their irresistiblecharm: small town scale, pedestrian sensitivity, publicparks, sense of enclosure and attention to detail.We admire their authentic beauty and visual coherence

amongst its architecture and public spaces. These placesmake us feel good and we long to live in communitiestoday that have the definable presence of attractivebuildings and livable spaces.

Why do many of today’s developments lack the attributes of many historical cities? Clearly many developments lack a sense of place and suffer from a fragmented or non-existent design vision. Successful places don’t just happen, they are created.

Creation starts at the conceptual level. At Design Traditions we have found that the best way to create the vision, make a place, is through the Character Vision Concept Book.

The vision book establishes an early visual design compass for the project by providing character imagery and supporting text to illustrateconceptual design direction. Quite simply, this study answers primary questionslike: what can the development look like and what makes it distinctive?

Illustrating possibilities of architectural style, spatial character, and special features, thevision book sets an overall visual tone for the community and fosters a sense of place byproviding visual design direction for the development.

yourvision

compass.

T hre e

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E x i s t i n g S i t e

Demog r aph i c sDeve l opmen t P rog r am

Arch i t e c t u r a l P r e c ed en t sL i fe s t y l e Pa t t e r n s

A re a H i s t o r y

The large site is adjacent to abusy commercial highway and

has several notable features: gently rolling hills, a centrally

located deciduous forest, beautiful country meadow, and a small lake.

Once an agricultural region, NorthAtlanta is quickly becoming the city’spremier growth area. Along with highend homes, commercial uses have recentlybeen developed. Furthermore, the areahas an equestrian heritage.

People today are looking for more than base housing. They wantto feel part of a community and have a sense of place.They are looking for a casual lifestyle with certain luxuries. Outdoor living is important. Beauty isbecoming a rediscovered commodity.

The development seeks to attract a wide variety of buyers, from the single buyerto established families. A wide mix of income levels is encouraged to achieve adiverse neighborhood. Higher levels of quality is expected throughout the devel-opment.

Farm houses dating from the 1800s still dot the countryside.Simple wood-clad structures with gable roofs are character

teristic. Long porches are common, as are largedouble-hung windows with divided lights.

Detailing is “carpenter classic”.

As a multi-faceted community, the developer’s goal is to accommodate both commercial and residential uses, and a blending of both suburban and TND planning models. Commercially the projectwill include a town center and highway oriented large scale retail facilities.The project should include single family, and multi-family residential uses.

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Our Town recalls quintessential American smalltowns throughout the country, the kind of placealmost everyone has driven through and longed toreside in. Its the kind of place where one can callthe whole community home, where one feels asense of connectiveness to the neighbors and thesurroundings. Its a walkable town where one canstroll through the park from home to work, walkto the corner drug store, or window shop at thetown center.

Our Town embodies the spirit of community liv-ing and reflects the best in suburban and tradition-al neighborhood design through its architectureand conceptual planning.

Many people today desire to live in traditional neigh-borhood style communities. At Our Town, a town centerforms the physical and social center for the neighborhood.Like many small towns it has a public green, and isenfronted by two to three story commercial “main street”inspired buildings. Important public edifices such aschurches, meeting halls, and post office are included.Within a short distance are tree-lined streets with narrow,front porches homes. American Country style homes withclapboard siding and nestled gables grace the street.Sidewalks line each side, and curb cuts are few as garagesare located behind the houses on a rear alley.

Small parks are interwoven into the neighbor-hood through land afforded by higher density.There are clearly defined edges to the town:grided streets, and a sense of spatial hierarchywhich fosters a sense of neighborhood.

Further out from the town center, the devel-opment is designed to recall the planning ofbeautiful suburban neighborhoods likeAtlanta’s Druid Hills and Brookhaven com-munities. Responding to the sites naturalbeauty, larger homes are interwoven aroundneighborhood parks and commons, and alongcurvi-linear streets which lead to the club-house, equestrian center and other amenities.

Set on informally landscaped sites, the homes aredesigned to convey an image of sophisticated Americancountry styling. A rich mix of materials, authentic clas-sically inspired detailing and informal, gabled facadescharacterize the style. The homes and landscape worktogether to create both a sense of privacy and inclusionto the neighborhood.

Along the primary entrance highway larger commercial facilities are designed in a marketplacetheme, reflecting agrarian concepts such as neighborhood scale and traditional detailing, while rec-ognizing late 90’s business realities.

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An overview of the diagrammatic land plan reveals the fundamental lay-out for the development. It shows where major uses are located and how they relate to one another.

Large scale retail is located near the mainhighway. An office complex is locatedin the green belt nearby.

An axial entrance drive leads from the main entrance past high densityapartments to the centrally located town center. Clustered around thetown center, narrow lot homes are

laid out on a rectilinear street grid.Closely adjacent are

cluster homes and golfvillas.

Central park links suburban areas to the town center.

Around the park, manor homes are laid out along curvi-linear streets.

A clubhouse and equestriancenter are located nearby.

Further out, estate homes areplanned on large multi-acre sites.

A. Grocery Store

B. Gas Station

C. Office complex

D. Entrance Gate

E. Apartments

F. Town Center

G. Narrow Lot Homes

H. Library

I. Day Care Center

J. Fire Station

K. Cluster homes

L. Golf Villas

M. Central Park

N. Swim & Tennis Center

P. Manor homes

Q. Park Common

R. Neighborhood Park

S. Clubhouse

T. Golf Course

V. Sales Center

W. Equestrian Center

X. Estate homes

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aOur Town is a New American Neighborhood derived

from many small towns throughout the country and twentieth-century suburban prototypes. Glancing at the plan, one perceives a range of densities, structures, spatial relationships, and open space. One sees a rich community development with many uses:highway oriented facilities, a town center, high density residential, public parks, recreational buildings and lower densityresidential. Two types of street systems are used, grid and curvi-linear. As mentioned before, this is a multi-faceted community which blends thebest of suburban and traditionalneighborhood design (TND) principles.

The most dense area of the projectrepresents the traditional neigh-borhood design. What makesit a delightful place to live is its utilization of design principles of early twentieth-century smalltown planning.

Spatial variety is achieved from the wide public green in the town center to the enclosed, tree lined, narrow lot streets. Car parking other than street parking is visually screened by buildings, fences, and landscaping. Service alleys are utilized.

Pedestrians are encouraged to walk as sidewalks are provided and distances to

work and shopping are reasonable. Ample parks have been provided.

There is a visual hierarchy between public and

private facilities. Public buildings are given prominentlocations in the plan, usually

on axis with a major roadway.

Surrounding the TND is thelower density suburban

development. Larger lots enfront curving streets, parks, and the golf course. There is

a sense of spaciousness and privacy. Outdoor living is

accentuated. Rather than cul-de-sacs, commons are used to encourage neighborly

interaction. Open land is provided and major public structures such as clubhouse, equestrian

center, swim & tennis center, and sales center are set amongst beautiful meadows and forest.

A jogging and bike path connects the residential areato the amenities, parks, and the town center. Important

site features like the pond and flood plain are accentuatedand integrated into the concept plan. Larger commercial

buildings like the grocery store and office complex arerelated to the entrance highway, buffered by landscape

and forest from residential areas.

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D. E n t r a n c e G a t eSet within an open field and tree alley, a classically inspired country gatehouse with a cupola and front bay window is flanked bytall stone pylons with inset signage. A perimeterfence and landscaping separates the entrance drive from adjacent commercial sites.

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F . To w n C e n t e rThe symbolic and commercial hub of the community is thetown center. Major public buildings, shops and offices surrounda village green punctuated by gazebos and fountains where peo-ple can gather and meet neighbors.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aH . L i b r a r yA neighborhood library is located at a prominent intersection adja-cent to narrow lot homes and nearby suburban manor homes. Itsdistinctive gable, symmetrical composition, expressed features, andrefined detailing suggest its public character.

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M . C e n t r a l P a r kCentral Park is an important public gathering place. A large gazebo standsin the clearing and will be a welcome spot for summer concerts and neigh-borhood parties. At the duck pond benches are provided for quiet relaxation.All areas of the park are connected by a jogging path which links nearbymanor homes to the town center.


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R . N e i g h b o r h o o d P a r kThis park, located near the equestrian center, issurrounded by manor homes and contains park swings, jogging paths, a stone bridge and picnic tables.

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G . N a r r o w L o t S t r e e t s c a p eLocated within walking distance of the town center are tree lined streetsand narrow lot homes. The homes are located near the street close tosidewalks where owners can swing on the front porch and talk to theirneighbors passing by.

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Q . P a r k C o m m o nSeveral manor homes are often grouped around a small park or public lawn called a common. Surrounded by a loop road, these commons are used in lieu of the cul-de-sac and form places for families to play and socialize.

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T. G o l f C o u r s eThroughout the development walkways link different places inthe project. One walkway is located along the perimeter of thefairway, allowing homeowners a place to stroll, jog, or skate.Therefore, the rear facades of homes are designed to be as visu-ally attractive as the front.

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Residential CharacterOur Town residential architecture blends romantic and classic traditions ofAmerican Country architecture. Based on southern and northeast domesticprototypes, the stylistic vocabulary is influenced by Colonial, Shingle, and FolkNational Styles. One and two story elevations are irregularly composed where masses are defined by simple additive rectangularfacades and medium pitched gable roofs. Distinctive features like bay windows and colonnaded porches are combined with classicallyinspired details to create a refined aesthetic. Shuttered double-hung windows with divided lights are used. Wood clapboard and shingles cover exterior walls, while stone and brick are form foundations and chimneys. An honest use of materials,informal facade composition, and authentic detailing createan image of classic informality.

Commercial CharacterCommercial structures convey an appropriate public

character image. Each facility expresses its use architecturally. Quite simply, a building says what it is. A fire station looks like a fire station. Public

character is expressed through the use of larger scaledarchitectural elements, permanent materials, restrained

decoration, and symbolic features. Traditionally inspired from late nineteenth and early twentieth century small

town mainstreet and rural buildings, Our Town commercialbuildings reflect earlier precedents. Several visual stylistic

themes are employed: “marketplace” retail along the highway, “mainstreet” facades along the town center, and large wood clad

structures in the suburbs.

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A RC H I T E C T U R A L C H A R AC T E R R E S I D E N T I A L R E F E R E N C E S K E T C H E S

Classical InspiredDetails:

Wide mouldingcornices

Tuscan round orsquare columns

Decorative picketrailing

Distinctive Features:

Nestled gables

Deep front porch

Bay window or box bay

Double-hung windowswith divided lights

Roof dormers

Mix of Materials:Stone or brick chimneys

& piers

Metal accents

Wood shingles

Horizontal wood siding

Wood shutters

Groupedlandscaping

Informal Massing:

Varied rooflines

Predominant gable

Lower side

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aP. M a n o r H o m eSet on larger lots, the manor home is surrounded by lawn and avariety of trees that create an informal, but elegant look. Gardenwalls, terraces, porches, and solariums extend indoor living to theoutdoors.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aP. M a n o r H o m eThe architecture of the manor home is characterized by irregular mass-ing of varied roof lines and strong primary gables. Classically inspireddetails, the use of real materials such as wood and stone, and double hungwindows compliment features like bay windows and covered porches.

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X . E s t a t e H o m eThe estate homes are the largest homes in the development.They spread out over their sizable lots and are often surrounded byperimeter fencing and entered by private gate. They utilize premiummaterials, elaborate details, and distinctive features.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aG . N a r r o w L o t H o m e sArchitectural continuity is achieved by design guidelines and sensi-tive design. The homes create a spatial edge to the street and arearticulated by simple rectangular massing, gable and hip roofs,wood shingle and horizontal siding, and raised front porches withdecorative railings. Street fencing is required along certain streets.

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K . C l u s t e r H o m e sThe architecture of the cluster home reflects American styles andutilizes asymmetrical massing, a combination of gable and hiproofs, front porches, classical detailing, masonry chimneys, andpicket fences. Garages face the street but are set well behind thefront facade.

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L . G o l f Vi l l a sGolf villas are grouped around fairways of the golf course.Two or three residential units are linked together to form a largerbuilding. Each unit is similar in character to the next but is recog-nizably distinct. All have deep porches facing the view of the fair-way.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aE . A p a r t m e n t sCourtyard apartments enfront each side of the entrance drive whichleads axially to the town center. A landscaped courtyard becomes afocal point and creates identity for each unit cluster. Wood and stone,nestled gables, and articulated porches are combined to create a settingthat says “Home” to its users.

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F . To w n C e n t e r M e e t i n g H a l lSet at one end of the village green is a meeting hall and a post office.Prominent public edifices are located strategically in the land plan to createvisual focal points for pedestrians and car drivers. Theirmonumental character is conveyed through symmetrical massing, overscaleddetailing, and upgraded materials.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aF . To w n C e n t e r S h o p sStreet level shops encircle the village green, recalling Main Street retail insmall town America. Wide sidewalks, street trees, angled parking, awningsover large display windows, and festive signage all contribute to this char-acter. Office and shop owners’ residences may occupy the upper twofloors.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aF . To w n C e n t e r C i n e m aDesigned to compliment the scale and detail of the surrounding buildings, large facilities like the cinema can be sensitively integrat-ed architecturally into the town center. The wide semicircular arch, projecting marquee, and tall pilasters engender a memorable public image along the streetscape.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aS . C l u b h o u s eOne of the most prominent facilities in the development is the club-house. It is designed in the tradition of grand hospitality buildings,and has a commanding presence of three symmetrically composedgables and a large veranda porch. Massive chimneys and a sizablecentral cupola punctuate the roof.

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N . S w i m & Te n n i s C e n t e rIt is expected that one of the more popular recreational amenities in thepark will be the swim and tennis center. Modeled after historic watersidestructures, the swim center is surrounded by a wide, covered colonnade.Pergola’s and a large, outdoor drink pavilion are adjacent to the olympicsize pool.

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W. E q u e s t r i a n C e n t e rDesigned to be reminiscent of Bluegrass horse stables, theequestrian center recalls architectural character of simple barnmassing, gable roofs with covered arcades, horizontal siding,and tall cupola spires. Horizontal rail fencing surrounds thepaddocks and riding areas.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aI . D a y C a r e C e n t e rAcross the street another important community facility is located;the day care center. Its design includes a cupola, large gable with decorative arch, and a small school bell reminiscent of past country school houses.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aV. S a l e s C e n t e rThe sales center is located on one of the most beautiful sitesof the development, overlooking the polo fields of the eques-trian center. Its architecture is distinctively southern with araised full length porch, paired chimneys, plantation shutters,and symmetrical composition. It is designed to be both impressive and welcoming.

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A . G r o c e r y S t o r eLocated along the commercial highway, large scale retail buildingsare designed to be reminiscent of turn-of-the-century market-place structures. Larger facilities are composed and detailed tolook like a collection of smaller buildings rather than one huge block. Landscape buffersand perimeter fencing visually shield parking which is locatedamongst an “orchard” of trees.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aB . G a s S t a t i o nConceived within the marketplace theme, smaller retail buildings are designed to convey a welcoming image. This station’s character includes classically inspired but overscaled detailing, warm brickmaterials, and divided light windows.

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A t l a n t a G e o r g i aC . O f f i c e B u i l d i n g C o m p l e xDesigned to recall a grouping of historical mill buildings, this office com-plex is concealed amongst a green belt. Tall vertical windows, metal roof-ing, brick walls, and a vertical elevator“chimney” are combined with simple rectangular masses and industrial roof shapes to create a distinctive business campus.

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J . F i r e S t a t i o nOccupying the third corner of the intersection, a fire station’striple archway enfronts the street. Permanent materials ofbrick and stone, large brackets, station number and Americanflag add visual cues to the building’s function.

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Commerc i a l

A m e n i t i e s

S i n g l e Fam i ly

Mu l t i - Fam i ly

DESIGN/VISION STUDIORealizing that well designed communities don’t just hap-pen, they are created, and what many twentieth centurycommunities need is visual coherence, Stephen Fuller ini-tiated the Design/Vision Studio.

Working closely with the Developer and LandPlanners, the studio creates a sense of place by visualiz-ing distinctive developments that have a strong unifiedcharacter. As a first step in the process, the studio spe-cializes in creating a Character Vision Book ofconceptual illustrations and text, formingthe thematic and stylistic springboardfor the development.

MODIFICATIONS STUDIOMaking modifications to Design Traditions’ existing home collection library isoften the most efficient way to achieve unified community imagery. Noted forits semi-custom approach, this studio successfully marries directed customizingto the efficiency and cost effectiveness of selected pre-designed plans.

COMMERCIAL STUDIOResidential architecture has long been a Design Traditions hallmark. This fact is evolving toinclude commercial design as well. Bringing well-known sensitivity to detail, scale, and charac-ter to larger complex projects, the Commercial Studio specializes in creating full service distinc-tive design for town centers, apartments, retail centers, clubhouses, offices, and other facilities.

AMENITY STUDIOCreating successful communities requires a coherent architec-tural vision. This studio focuses on designing amenities withunified character, from schematics to working drawings forswim and tennis centers, entrance features, and other neigh-

CUSTOM STUDIONationally noted, this studio services consumers and develop-ers who are looking for exceptional service and creative archi-tectural design. From preliminaries to a complete set of con-tract documents, the Custom Studio specializes in one-of-a-kind homes.

BUILDER STUDIOSpecializing in meeting the needs of Builders, this studio designs homesand produces construction drawings that considers the marketplace. Thestudio designs attractive, buildable, and cost effective homes while meetingchallenging design scheduling demands.

ARCHITECTURAL CONTROL STUDIOEstablishing stylistic guidelines for communities allows for developercontrol while granting individual creativity in home design. This studiospecializes in creating design guidelines and reviewing submitted plansfor aesthetic compliance.

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ARCHITECT

LAND PLANNER

DEVELOPER

GOVERNMENT/REGULATORY

Zoning, Building Dept.,Transportation, Environmental

Contract Documents

Concept Land Plan

Preliminaries

Financial

Builder

Preliminaries

Review

Legal

Vision Book

Interior Design

MarketingAgents

RealEstateAgents

Design

Landscape

Contract

A successfully designed community starts with three players;the developer, the architect, and the land planner. Eachorganization brings their vision, creativity, knowledge,and expertise to the table. They are supported byan expanding array of services, personnel, andconsultants.

The graphic below illustrates the primary design team and a representative number of servicesand consultants. Recognizing the impact of

government, this regulatory body alwaysdirectly or indirectly part of the process.

Working together, places of beauty,practicality, and significance

can be created.

Construction Admin.

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OurTown Vision Book

Documents

Transcript of OurTown Vision Book