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 In a
quality place, the components from which it is made
requires a fusion of all elements; the building, landscape and
the interface between them. All components need to have been
designed and constructed with the overall scheme, its
character and quality, in mind. But what are these other
elements that fuse together to make the whole? Here we attempt
to enlighten you on some of these parts.
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 A
fine example of such a fusion is the individual building
elements and interface elements of which buildings of any kind
are composed and these have a key role in determining
it's quality. When
these elements are brought together in a coherent way, whether
with
deliberate uniformity or deliberate variety,
 they
build up to a larger scale - the house, the street, the place.
As shown on below, it is vital not only to view these elements
in isolation, but also to consider how they come together to
form the whole and to examine carefully the ‘joins’ between the elements.
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The building elements which require careful
attention in detailed design include:
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doors
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windows
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porches
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roof structures
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lighting
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flues and
ventilation
gutters, pipes and other rainwater details
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balconies
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garage doors
ironmongery and decorative features
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flashings
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The interface
elements which require careful attention in detailed design
include:
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bin storage
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cycle storage
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external
lighting
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meter boxes
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service entries
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inspection boxes
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storage for
recycling of waste
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cool storage for
home deliveries
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windows and
glazing
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walls, hedges,
fences and gates
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space for drying
clothes
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'Landscaping should be an integral part of new development and
opportunities should be taken for the retention of existing
trees and shrubs, and for new plantings.’
PPG3: Housing paragraph 52 |
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The Landscape -
Landform, natural
features and their ecology are always important. Trees,
shrubs, flowers and grass and their containment require
particular attention along with the preservation and use of
existing trees and where possible, use of native species. On
occasion, retention of walls, ramps, steps and hedges to give
a sense of maturity and distinction.
The detailed alignment of carriageways, footpaths and
any front garden or threshold space before the building edge
involves the consideration of many elements including:
pedestrian, cycle and vehicle needs; on-street parking and
service requirements; underground services; and landscape
features. A
well-designed space will accommodate street furniture, signage
and other elements in a calm, unemphatic way. |
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‘New housing development of whatever scale should not be
viewed in isolation. Considerations of design and layout must
be informed by the wider context, having regard not just to
any immediate neighbouring buildings but the townscape and
landscape of the wider locality.’
PPG 3: Housing paragraph 56 |
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The landscape
elements which require careful
consideration in detailed design
include:
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trees, flowers, grass and other
planting
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the carriageways, footways and
floorscape
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cycle–ways
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kerbs
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steps and ramps
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fences, walls, hedges and gates
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inspection boxes and covers
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tree grilles
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street signage
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street lighting
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seats
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bollards
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railings
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public art
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wayleaves and easements
A Must
Read -
Better places to live by design: a
companion guide to PPG3
Click Here |
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The Lighting -
The use of light in buildings, known as architectural
lighting, is important for everyday activities. In addition to
providing illumination for vision, architectural lighting can
invite visitors in, persuade shoppers to buy, relax hotel
guests or restaurant patrons, and create nearly any effect or
mood. Residents can feel safe via street lighting, green
spaces and historic buildings can be enhanced, landmarks can
be nightly art forms and building architecture exposed. Homes
should have sufficient illumination needed to perform
household tasks, be comfortable, and be controlled easily with
energy efficiency.
Daylight is also an important part of lighting architecture
and is the cheapest form of lighting any design can encompass.
Providing good window design, ensuring landscape features are
considered and even the rise and fall of the sun when plotting
houses all play a major part.
A recent report (Sept 2003) on the impact of daylight on human
performance and workplace productivity; human health: and
financial return on investment called
'The
Benefits of Daylight Through Windows' was sponsored by
major USA energy departments . These impacts of daylight are
reviewed for buildings that are used for work and for which
day lighting has been extensively studied, namely offices,
schools, hospitals, and retail stores. Daylight in housing is
not considered. This literature review examines the benefits
and problems of both daylight, as light, and windows, as the
most common used method to deliver daylight.
Click
Here To Read The Report
To explore more on the types of lighting by the Lighting
Research Centre:
click your choice below
Architectural -
Commercial -
Daylighting -
Industrial -
Institutional -
Outdoor -Residential
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Security
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Transportation |
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