Design Considerations Checklist

Introduction

Parking

Public Open Space

Private Open Space

Landscaping

Building Location

Building Shape

Building Appearance

-	Image
-	Visual Complexity
-	Windows
-	Front Doors
-	Facade
-	Roof Shape
-	Size and Rhythm of Openings
-	Trim and Details
-	Materials and Color
-	Individual Identity

Building Layout

Unit Layout

Size and Rhythm of Openings

Respect the rhythm, size and proportion of openings - particularly on the street facades - of similar, good quality buildings in the neighborhood or surrounding area. Avoid introducing drastically new window patterns and door openings inconsistent with similar, good quality buildings in the neighborhood or surrounding area.

The size and rhythm of the doors, windows and porches for this co-housing development reflect those found in older Sacramento neighborhoods. (Southside Park Co-housing) The size and spacing of the bay windows in this San Francisco apartment building very consciously match those of the neighboring buildings. (555 Ellis Street) The size and placement of windows and doors on this Detroit infill housing ("The Grand" in the illustration) clearly respect but do not imitate the surrounding buildings. (Field Street) Even though these Chicago townhouses are quite different from their next-door neighbors, the design and placement of their openings is quite similar, especially the way they divide the façade into two distinct parts - a left-hand and a right-hand side. (West Town II) The size and rhythm of the windows on this Boston building clearly respect those of its neighbor across the street and of similar buildings throughout the surrounding historic district. (Tent City) The size and placement of the windows in these Charleston duplexes respect historical patterns prevalent in the downtown area. (Charleston Infill Housing)