Page 12 - San Marcos, TX Design Manual

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Design Guidelines APPENDIX

Section A.1.4.3 Expression Elements. Building Mass and a. Use moldings, columns, a change in material or an
Articuation. offset in the wall plane to define different building
modules.
A. Applicability. The following guidelines are specific to CD-5D.
Specific to CD-5D. 3. Use materials to convey a sense of human scale and
visual interest to pedestrians.
B. Overview. Expression includes vertical and horizontal changes
that influence the scale of the building. New development 4. Incorporate balconies to create depth and interest on a
in downtown San Marcos should incorporate articulation building façade.
techniques that promote a sense of human scale and divide the
mass and scale of a larger building into smaller parts. 5. Vary roof heights and cornice lines to create visual
interest.
C. Guidelines. Refer to the following guidelines and Table 1.3
to see how a variety of building articulation methods are 6. Incorporate a roof form that provides a cap.
accomplished. a. Define a flat roof form with a distinct parapet or
cornice line.
1. Establish a sense of human scale in the design of a new
building. The following Table 1.3 illustrates ways in which a building can
incorporate design features that create a sense of human scale.
a. Use vertical and horizontal articulation techniques to
reduce the apparent scale of a larger building mass. The table is divided into two sections – Primary Expression
Elements and Secondary Expression Elements. The primary
b. Use expression techniques in proportion to a expression elements correspond directly with the Expression
building’s overall mass. For example, deeper insets options provided in Section 4.3.5.4 of the Development Code.
are needed as a building’s length increases. This section provides more detail and illustration of this catego-
ry, of which new development must utilize at least two primary
c. Apply materials in units, panels or modules that help expression elements below in addition to the blank wall area
to convey a sense of scale. requirements. The Secondary Expression Elements section

d. Create a sense of texture through shadow lines which includes additional tools that may be used if an applicant seeks
also provide a sense of depth and visual interest. alternative compliance with the standards outlined in the Code.

1. Incorporate horizontal expression lines to establish a sense
of scale.

a. Use moldings, a change in material or an offset in
the wall plane to define the scale of lower floors in
relation to the street.
b. Align architectural features with similar features along
the street, where a pattern of alignment already exists.
This pattern of alignment is especially prominent
through storefront windows and upper story windows
in the Downtown Core, but is also visible in other
design contexts downtown.

2. Provide vertical articulation in a larger building mass to
establish a sense of scale.

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