#1 Des Moines
The first example I would like to draw attention to is for the city of Des Moines, Iowa. The layout and depth of the downtown district plan is very well organized, and I feel we can use it as an example for many reasons. http://www.ci.des-moines.ia.us/downtownplanS.htm Follow the link for District Planning & Design Guidelines. This study reveals how a conservative area needs to learn how to take risks and try something everyone may not be comfortable doing. It stresses the need to build a culture of public life, require (urban) design quality, preserve streets & alleys, pay attention to scale and landscape, integrate parking, embrace authenticity, and create higher density while mixing the uses of space and evoling sustainably.
#2 Greater East Wenatchee Urban Growth in Washington
I admire this case study for solving subjective issues with objective solutions. It creates general guidelines for the whole area and addresses specific areas like small lot residential, commercial, mix-use development, and multi-family development in a more detailed manner. http://www.douglascountywa.net/gewap /pdf/GEWA_UGA_Design_Guidelines_11-30-06.pdf
Some key issues this plan outlines are as follows:
1. It regulates parking and pedestrian connections.
2. Screens utility areas with architectural features or landforms.
3. Wants prominent pedestrian entrances.
4. Controls massing of buildings to provide a sense of "base", "middle", and "top."
5. It respects existing development.
6. Encourages public plazas and parks with an attractive feature.
7. Regulates a visual connection between inside and outside of buildings.
8. Touches designing for pedestrians keeping in mind the climate.
9. Encourages creativity, craft, & artistic elements.
10. Supports public trails.
11. Single family residential units are to have front porches for conversation areas and to define the entry.
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