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A. Create visual interest: Create visual interest through distinctive structures, articulation of wall planes, variation of roof forms and other similar methods such as angling buildings. Building elevations and materials should have design characteristics that are contextually appropriate (massing, rhythm, scale, height, roof form, etc.). Building mass should be broken into smaller elements to reduce the apparent bulk of large structures, consistent with the proportions of the architectural style and surrounding uses. Where contrasting design elements are proposed, the applicant must demonstrate how the design is equal or superior to surrounding uses. All sides of buildings that are visible to adjoining uses shall be treated.

B. Provide different elements: All buildings should contain color change that is recognizable, but not strongly contrasting, with texture and material changes at appropriate intervals, either horizontally or vertically. Predominant façade colors should possess low reflectivity characteristics. The use of bright color schemes must be justified and may not be appropriate in many contexts. It is desirable that the spacing of elements in facades be varied rather than repetitive, with a high priority placed on the three (3) dimensional interplay of light and shadow. A minimum of three colors and/or textures must be incorporated in designs.

C. Enhance energy conservation: Where feasible, use architectural features to enhance energy conservation. Orient and design new structures and additions for minimum solar gain, reflectivity and glare. Shelter entries, walkways and windows and use architectural shading devices and landscaping to minimize cooling losses. Mitigate urban heat island effects. Provide ample shade for pedestrians and employee areas. Misting systems and canopies may be considered when consistent with the design character of the building. Awnings shall respond to the scale, proportion and rhythm of windows and doors.

D. Provide open design: Building designs should support pedestrian activity and provide natural surveillance of spaces from key locations inside and next to buildings with the appropriate placement of windows, entrances and lighting. Employee service doors shall be equipped with a security device or vision panel to allow viewing of the area surrounding the service door. Permanent, fixed security grates or grilles in front of windows are discouraged. If security grilles are deemed necessary, they shall be placed inside the building, behind the window display area.

E. Provide accessibility: Buildings should be accessible for every person, consistent with the Americans with Disability Act and its implementing standards and guidelines. Additional consideration should be given to including extra sidewalk widths, physical cues and limited audio distractions for the visually impaired. Minimize surface texture and elevation changes for persons using wheelchairs.

F. Conceal utilities, equipment and services: All roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be concealed on all sides by elements that are an integral part of the building design. Ground-mounted equipment shall be screened using masonry walls or other similar materials. Equipment that cannot be concealed due to unique functional requirements shall be made visually subordinate with architectural features that blend with the design of the main building. Electrical service panels shall be recessed into the building elevation and screened with landscaping, walls or doors. Vacuum tubes shall be internalized or placed underground. Roof drain elements shall be concealed within the building or an architectural feature.

G. Avoid standardized corporate design themes: Any literal transplant of architectural styles not indigenous or compatible to the southwest environment is strongly discouraged. To the extent possible, corporate branding should be incorporated into designs compatible with the surrounding area.

H. Provide compatible infill structures: New infill and/or renovations to existing structures must be compatible with existing surrounding buildings in terms of mass, scale, height, façade rhythm, placement of doors and windows, color, roof shapes and use of materials without duplicating outdated architectural styles. When a new or infill building is proposed that is much wider than the characteristic facades of adjacent buildings, the facade shall be broken down into series of appropriately proportioned “structural bays” or components. Typical solutions are segmented bay series of columns or masonry piers that frame windows, doors and bulkhead components. Long blank or unarticulated wall facades that face the street are strongly discouraged.