Page 135 - Michigan City, IN US Highway 421 Corridor Plan

5.3 Design Guidelines

5.3.2 BUILDING TYPE STANDARDS AND to the perceived balance and/or order. Variations in rhythm are
GUIDELINES encouraged to be provided to develop visual interest and focal
points. Buildings are encouraged to incorporate multiple rhythms
The additional standards and guidelines of this section apply to or cadences (rather than a single repetitive rhythm). These
all developments in the Plan area. They address the composition multiple rhythms break down the scale of the building and create
of buildings as well as functional aspects of building, parking, an interesting and rich facade.
and outdoor space design. The goal of this section is to
ensure that development within greenfield development and 5. Proportion
redevelopment sites is consistent with the goal of developing a Proportion is the relationship between building elements.
human-scale mixed-use environment in which each individual This includes window-to-wall ratios (solid-to-void), window
building furthers the overall Plan vision. width-to-height ratios, and proportions of buildings to distinct
environmental features. Proposed building size should be
Building Massing, Scale and Architecture proportional to the scale of streets and pathways to provide a
A. General Design Principles well-defined street wall while still allowing adequate sun access
and sky to the ground. Proposed building height should remain
The proposed development identified in this Plan should create below 40 feet above ground level (two stories).
an exciting built form when seen from a distance, and with an
intimate, fine grained scale to the pedestrian when experienced Proposed buildings should be designed with a clearly articulated
from the street. organizational structure, including the inclusion of a recognizable
base, middle, and top, and a strong emphasis on horizontal
Whether utilizing traditional or more modern architecture, the modulation.
design of buildings should generally embody the proper use of
architectural design fundamentals, including: 6. Color and Light
Generally, color and light are two of the most important tools for
1. Massing and Scale an architect in trying to better define the fundamental principles
The massing, scale, and architectural style of proposed buildings of architecture. The proper use of color and light can better
in the Plan area shall be varied to create a unique, attractive define a building’s visual order as well as provide an interesting
project and avoid a uniform and monotonous urban form. Employ facade. The improper use of color and light can likewise create
techniques to break the building mass through interlocking a visually and architecturally unappealing building that is a
volumes of differing heights and widths to avoid monolithic detriment to the natural environment and the community at
building. Incorporate a diversity of building scales and massing, large. Sun and shadow patterns are often considered in order to
such that the resulting deign appears as a neighborhood that better define the design fundamentals. The proposed building
has grown over time.
architecture is encouraged to incorporate state-of-the-art
2. Visual Order building technologies with the finest design and support facilities General Design Principles
Proposed buildings should utilize a consistent sense of balance, available. In response to an ever-changing market, buildings Proposed buildings should utilize the recommended general design principles to create a well balanced series of facades that are
rhythm, and proportion in the architectural components. are encouraged to be highly functional and flexible, to create scaled to pedestrians.
Proposed buildings should convey a relationship between the timeless architecture.
parts of a building as well as relationships between buildings in 7. 360 degree Architecture
a complex. Architectural features such as windows and doors — To ensure that buildings do not display unembellished
should be used to contribute to overall unity of the design.
walls visible from key public travel corridors, all sides of a
3. Balance building shall be given architectural treatment to meet the
Balance is achieved through the use of rhythm, repetition, and intent of this section by using two or more of the following:
symmetry. The proposed building architecture should incorporate varying rooflines with one foot or greater changes of height
either a central focal point or, in the case of an asymmetrical at least every fifty feet; Transparent windows that comprise
façade, more localized symmetry of building parts. at least 25 percent of the visible façade;
— Secondary entrances that include glazing and landscape
4. Rhythm treatment;
Rhythm is a consistent repetition of building forms or
architectural components. Orderly repetition of proposed building — Awning/canopy;
elements, including windows, doors, and detailing, contribute — Planted trellises;

5-16

5.0 Implementation Adopted: August 16, 2016