1.3 ARCHITECTURE 1.3.3 DESIGN FOR LIVING continued. apartment buildings visible from the public and semi public realms. Ground level design Building Access The ground level in all units is significant because it offers the In addition to the Design for Living requirements relating to all potential for a different set of amenities to both the residents housing typologies, there are some design requirements that Access to apartment buildings should: and the public realm over that of the upper levels. To apply specifically to apartments. Apartment style living maximise the opportunities of the ground level the following requires an exceptional level of amenity based on a strategy ensure that buildings are accessible for all (including principles should be considered: of place-making. Proximity to services, schools, public able bodied and mobility- or sensory-impaired people), transport, convenience shopping, open spaces and social create legibility and contribute to the street quality Maximise the number of individual entrances at ground infrastructure are fundamental considerations. by ensuring entrances are integrated yet identifiable in order to contribute to safe and active streets and elements, provide visual interest to the public realm. The following additional requirements for apartments affect ensure pedestrian entrances are well lit, highly visible, Provide clear demarcation between private, semi public form, function and appearance, and should be into and sheltered from the elements, and public space, particularly at ground level. consideration provide separate pedestrian and vehicular access for Provide outlook from living rooms fronting residential and other activities to ensure security and streets and open spaces while maintaining Overshadowing safety for all users and to animate the street, and visual privacy for occupants by the use of appropriate minimise the number and of vehicle entry/exit fencing, landscape treatment and changes in level. Environmentally responsive design should explore creative points in order to maximise the potential for active street Incorporate universal design principles (i.e. accessible architectural forms that avoid overshadowing and optimise frontages, and for all). solar access for dwellings, both within the development and possible, organise vehicle access points off side Avoid blank facades and ground floor parking beneath on neighbouring sites. streets or lanes. Ground level design Building access 1 DESIGN GUIDELINES ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE pg. 20
1.3 ARCHITECTURE 1.3.3 DESIGN FOR LIVING continued. In addition to the Design for Living requirements relating to all housing typologies, there are some design requirements that apply specifically to apartments. Apartment style living requires an exceptional level of amenity based on a strategy of place-making. Proximity to services, schools, public transport, convenience shopping, open spaces and social infrastructure are fundamental considerations. The following additional requirements for apartments affect form, function and appearance, and should be into consideration Overshadowing Environmentally responsive design should explore creative architectural forms that avoid overshadowing and optimise solar access for dwellings, both within the development and on neighbouring sites. Ground level design The ground level in all units is significant because it offers the potential for a different set of amenities to both the residents and the public realm over that of the upper levels. To maximise the opportunities of the ground level the following principles should be considered: Maximise the number of individual entrances at ground in order to contribute to safe and active streets and provide visual interest to the public realm. Provide clear demarcation between private, semi public and public space, particularly at ground level. Provide outlook from living rooms fronting streets and open spaces while maintaining visual privacy for occupants by the use of appropriate fencing, landscape treatment and changes in level. Incorporate universal design principles (i.e. accessible for all). Avoid blank facades and ground floor parking beneath apartment buildings visible from the public and semi public realms. Building Access Access to apartment buildings should: ensure that buildings are accessible for all (including able bodied and mobility- or sensory-impaired people), create legibility and contribute to the street quality by ensuring entrances are integrated yet identifiable elements, ensure pedestrian entrances are well lit, highly visible, and sheltered from the elements, provide separate pedestrian and vehicular access for residential and other activities to ensure security and safety for all users and to animate the street, and minimise the number and of vehicle entry/exit points in order to maximise the potential for active street frontages, and possible, organise vehicle access points off side streets or lanes. Ground level design Building access 1 DESIGN GUIDELINES ARCHITECTURE LANDSCAPE pg. 20
paupapp115northpartc.docx