Attachment_11._SAFB_FEP.pdf

FACILITY EXCELLENCE PLAN

FEB 2010

Schriever Facility Excellence Plan

FA2517-13-R-5000

Attachment 11 Feb 2010

Table of Contents

Schriever AFB FEP 1

INSTALLATION PROFILE

LETTER FROM THE COMMANDER

IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

WHO/WHAT/WHERE IS SCHRIEVER AFB

INTRODUCTION TO THE FEP

INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE

PARALLEL DOCUMENTS

FACILITIES EXCELLENCE PLAN USE

SITE AND BUILDING EXTERIORS

DESIGN INFLUENCES

Climate

General Information

Topography

General Information

Land Form Character

Soils

Natural Vegetation

Vicinity

Urban Edges

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

Regional Characteristics

Topography

Regional Style

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2 Schriever AFB FEP

Aesthetic Principles

Form, Shape, Proportion & Hierarchy

Hierarchy

Size, Massing & Scale

Articulation & Rhythm

ACCENT

Material & Color

Sense of Place

Architectural Compatibility

Material Selection

Site Location Analysis

Energy Management Design

Sustainability

Defining & Describing Sustainable Development

Sustainable Development Policy

Creating Sustainable Facilities

Sustainable Siting Principles

Materials, Energy & Recycling

Environmental Management

Planning References

Design References

Maintenance

Force Protection

Introduction

The Documents

Gates & Entrances

Fences

Berms

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Schriever AFB FEP 3

Landscape Features

Lighting

EXTERIOR STANDARDS

Architectural Character

Schriever Architectural Style

Entries

General Guidance

Administration

Community

Industrial

Roofs Standards

Doors & Windows

Glazing

Frames

Doors

Exterior Wall Finishes

General

Materials

Paint

Paint Plan

Inside The Restricted Area

Character

Materials

Assets

Liabilities

Outside The Restricted Area

Character Areas / Design Standards

Campus Environment

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4 Schriever AFB FEP

Assets

Liabilities

BUILDING SYSTEMS

Structural Systems

Electrical Systems

Fire Protection Systems

Fire Alarm Systems

Temperature Controls

Energy Management Control Systems

Mechanical Systems

General

Plumbing

Heating

Ventilation

Air Conditioning

Geographical Information Systems

SITE ELEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

FENCE STANDARDS

PERIMETER FENCES

SECURITY FENCES

CHAIN LINK FENCES

METAL FENCES

WOODEN FENCES

MASONRY & CONCRETE FENCES

EQUIPMENT SCREENS

EARTH BERMS

HARDSCAPE STANDARDS

Curbs

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Schriever AFB FEP 5

Curbs at Parking Areas

Curb Types

Parking Areas

Specific Parking Requirements

Parking for the Disabled

Parking for Motorcycles

Parking Islands

Orientation of Parking Spaces

Access to Service Areas

Sidewalks & Walkways

Streets & Pavements

Mow Strips

Intersections

Markings

Utility Cuts

Installation Entry Control Facilities

Gates

SITE FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES

Utility Structures & Trash Enclosures

Trash Receptacles

Bike Racks………………………………………………………………………………………………………..10

Tables

Benches

Fire Hydrants

Bollards

Bus Shelters & Smoking Pavilions

Introduction

Typical Locations

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Shelter Design

LIGHTING STANDARDS

LANDSCAPE STANDARDS

Plan Components

Assistance & Guidance

Trees

Planting

Mowing Strips

Shrubs

Xeriscaping

EXTERIOR SIGN STANDARDS

Characteristics

Installation Entry Control Facilities

Military Facility Signs

Approved Facility Signs

Facility Number Signs

Street Signs

Installation Warning Signs

Exterior Signage Precedents

BUILDING INTERIORS

INTRODUCTION

APPROACH

Programming

Structural Interior Design (SID)

Comprehensive Interior Design (CID)

Space Planning

Personal / Public Spaces

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Schriever AFB FEP 7

Traffic Flow

Functional Relationships

Status and Function

Equipment Usage

Efficient Use of Space

Flexibility

Aesthetics and Comfort

Recycling

Space Allocation and Day-lighting

Materials and Colors Selections

FURNITURE

Systems Furniture

Systems Furniture Standard

Pre-Wired Systems Furniture

Systems Furniture – Directory of Standard Cubicle Layouts

DESIGN CHECKLIST

Operational Seating

Stationary or Stack Chairs

Lounge Seating

Tables

Freestanding Office Furniture, Case Goods

Filing Cabinets

Ergonomics

Overview

Rules of Thumb

LIGHTING

General Guidelines

General Interior Lighting

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Computer/VDT Lighting

COLOR

General Guidelines

CORRIDORS

General Guidelines

ARTWORK PLACEMENT & SELECTION

GENERAL GUIDELINES

Mounting Heights

Frame Types, Materials, Colors

Artwork Lighting

Artwork Subjects

Ceramic and Porcelain Items

Sculptures

SIGNAGE

SIP Signage

FPCON Signage

CARPET

FINISHES – SAFB PRECEDENTS

Administration / Office Areas

Wall Coverings

Flooring

Doors and Frames……………………………………………………………………………………………36

Window Coverings……………………………………………………………………………………………36

Ceilings & Lighting

Signage

Fire Extinguishers

Exit Lights

Fire Evacuation Routes

ACCESSORIES

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Schriever AFB FEP 9

Common Areas – Hallways & Lobbies

Hallways

Wall Coverings

Carpet & Base Moulding

Doors and Frames……………………………………………………………………………………………41

Ceilings & Lighting

Hallway Extras

Elevator Lobbies & Building Entries

Elevator Lobbies

Building Entries

Conference Rooms

Wing & Group Commander

Squadron Commander

Flight Multipurpose Rooms

Restrooms & Locker Rooms

Wall & Wainscot Tile

Counter Tops

Ceiling & Lighting

Fixtures, Sinks & Dispensers

LOCKER AREAS

Equipment Areas & Shops

Specialized Facilities

Dining Hall

Fire Station…………………………………………………………………………………………………….57

Fitness Center………………………………………………………………………………………………...59

Gate House

Mission Facilities (FIS)

APPENDIXES

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Earth Tone

Blue/Gray

Tan/Neutral

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Introduction to the FEP

Introduction

Purpose: The Facilities Excellence Program has two main functions. First, it provides efficient, fully functional facilities that support our mission and represent a wise investment of public funds. This aspect of facilities excellence involves quality design, construction, maintenance, and repair of the facilities and infrastructure to assure mission requirements are fully met at an appropriately low life-cycle cost. Second, facilities excellence assures the optimum use of existing facilities to minimize new Military Construction requirements. In this context, facilities excellence is not “gold plating” but the provision of facilities that fully meet mission needs, and the needs of the people performing that mission, both functionally and aesthetically.

Facilities excellence extends beyond just the physical facilities, it must incorporate sustainable strategies and technologies. Sustainability and facilities excellence go hand in hand. It is also an attitude and a state of mind that motivates people to take pride in, and care for their working and living environment. This document has incorporated sustainability strategies and technologies. They include using sustainable materials and concepts. The appearance of the workplace has a notable positive impact on the pride and productivity of a unit. Facilities excellence promotes an attitude of attention to detail, and can contribute to pride in the workplace, pride in the individual, and pride in the unit performance. This translates to improvements in mission performance and productivity. Another aspect of facilities excellence is supported by the self-help program, wherein people can provide for their own facility needs much sooner, and create the element of pride of accomplishment that fosters higher unity performance. Facilities are often cared for more closely when self-help improvements are accomplished. Facilities excellence is a journey, not a destination. The purpose of a facilities excellence plan is to provide users guidance through developed standards that delineate acceptable products and materials.

Schriever Air Force Base (SAFB) has been working on an on-going facilities excellence effort, and has had in place for several years a Facilities Excellence Plan (FEP) with which to guide implementation efforts.

This updated edition of the FEP has been provided to address changes and to provide guidance for current concerns. The facilities excellence effort within the Air Force has sometimes been described as “a journey, not a destination.” To this end, this 2009 Edition of the Facilities Excellence Plan for Schriever Air Force Base, Colorado, has been updated and refined to specifically address current concerns, and to organize information in an easily retrieved and usable format.

Part Three – Site and Building Exteriors. This is not a new section title. This section incorporates updated site related issues and Exterior Standards, EMCS and GIS updates.

Part Four-Site Elements. This is not a new section title, but incorporates updated information on site related issues like signage and fire hydrant painting.

Part Five –Building Interiors. This is a not a new section title but includes updated building interior standards.

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Purpose

This document is for everyone wanting to know anything about Facilities Excellence at Schriever Air Force Base. Whether you are reconfiguring your office space, getting new carpet, or beginning to work on the design for a new building this guide will assist you in finding the information you need.

The purpose of the Facilities Excellence Plan (FEP) is to create a document that can be used as an instrument to improve the visual environment of Schriever Air Force Base.

These guidelines replace other random studies, plans, and efforts at establishing design standards for forms, materials, and colors for the built environment at SAFB. The design guidelines specifically address issues of building exterior design, building interior design, and site elements design.

The FEP is an instrument to help support the Air Force Facilities Excellence Program at SAFB. In addition to the initial task of improving the tangible visual environment, the FEP takes aim at improving such intangibles as the overall morale, image, and well being of Air Force and civilian personnel. In the process of attending to these needs, the FEP will directly address a wide range of issues that are important to the Air Force in general, and to SAFB in particular.

The FEP includes information gathered from a wide variety of sources, is developed specifically for SAFB, and is intended to serve as a comprehensive design guide reference manual for all design solutions affecting visual aspects of the installation. Toward this goal, the FEP will provide specific guidelines that are applicable to the planning, design, and construction of all new facilities, all additions and alterations, exterior or interior renovations, as well as on-going maintenance activities.

With facilities excellence, it is the intent that the FEP does not trigger the need for immediate repairs, changes, replacement, or updates to SAFB facilities the moment the FEP is published. Rather, when a change is planned, the FEP guides how those changes are made, and determines what the end results will look like. For instance, the guidelines for Interior Signs do not create an immediate requirement to take out all existing signs and replace them with new signs conforming with the FEP guidelines. Following are a couple of examples to help FEP users understand how the guidelines are applied. The examples only discuss interior signage, but the application would be similar and parallel for other types of projects.

Example 1 . A suite of offices in a building is being remodeled to accommodate a change in mission, and additional personnel will be assigned to the completely remodeled interior spaces. In this example, all the spaces will be newly reconfigured, and new interior signs at offices will be needed. In addition, a new department sign will be required. The FEP will determine the size, material, layout, and color of the new interior signs produced for this project. Other sign types, if required for this project, would also follow the design guidelines requirements. By contrast, other interior signage within other parts of that building outside the project area, would not need to be changed with this project. As part of this project, however, newly incorporated interior finish standards would be followed.

Example 2 . In a particular building, numerous remodeling projects have been accomplished over a number of years, and the resulting interior signage has several different colors, sizes, and layout types that are inconsistent from one area of the building to another. This situation has been identified by base personnel as undesirable. A separate project can be devised to replace all the interior signage all at once, Attachment 11 or to replace the signs in an incremental approach. Either way, the FEP will determine the size, material, layout, and color of the new interior signs installed in the signage project.

Parallel Documents

There are numerous other codes, regulations, and requirements that affect design of the built environment. These include National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Building Officials Council of America (BOCA), International Building Code, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), Air Force Space Command Handbook (AFSPCH) 32-1004, American Disabilities Act (ADA), Architectural Barriers Act (ABA), Air Force Space Command Handbooks, Engineering Technical Letters, and many others.

Generally, these other codes and requirements primarily address “public health” and “life safety” issues.

The FEP does not intend to replace those publications. Instead, the FEP intends to raise awareness of, and make requirements for, the improvement of the overall base visual environment.

Facilities Excellence Plan Use

This Facilities Excellence Plan shall be considered to be, and used as, the single facilities excellence guideline resource for Schriever Air Force Base. The FEP shall be used as a guide to assist in the approval or disapproval of every planned project at SAFB. The FEP shall be used to determine facilities excellence compliance for every project, shall be used in the approval of all work, and FEP requirements shall be incorporated into the planning of every project. FEP compliance is at the heart of the facilities excellence effort: to improve the visual environment of the installation, and in turn to improve the lives and morale of people who live and work at Schriever Air Force Base.

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Site & Building Exteriors

Design Influences

The existing visual image of any military installation is influenced by climate, topography, historical development, security issues and the character of the adjacent region. These major areas have the potential for influencing the future development of Schriever AFB in a very positive way.

“When a thing has been said and said well, have no scruple. Take it and copy it.” -Anatole France.

Climate

General Information

The local climate of a place has always been a dominant influence in creating "style", or a regional "signature" in the designed environment.

Schriever AFB is located in a transitional climate zone between the High Plains to the east and the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains to the west. At an elevation of approximately 6300 feet above sea level, the area is classified as mid-latitude semi-arid.

The climate at Schriever AFB is modified greatly by its proximity to the mountains to the west.

The spring season sees warming temperatures and typically windy, unsettled weather. This season is usually short and may be interrupted by late cold and snowy weather, usually of short duration.

The summer season is generally characterized by cloudless, calm mornings, warm days and cool nights. During the day, clouds form over the mountains to the west, and as the day progresses, often increase into rather benign storms which move east over the flat plains, bringing wind, cooler temperatures and scattered rain showers. Occasionally, these afternoon storms may develop more punch, bringing heavy rains and damaging hail accompanied by high winds.

Fall is accented by warm, beautiful, calm days, and by cool, crisp nights. The fall season is typically short and may be punctuated by short periods of early cold and snowy weather.

Winter in this region of Colorado is typified by an alternating pattern of cold and warm temperatures. The cold weather occurs as low pressure systems move west-to-east across Colorado. The warmer weather results from a high pressure system over the region, stabilizing the overall weather pattern. In addition to this seasonal pattern, there is a daily pattern of freezing at night, and thawing during the day. This wide swing in daily temperatures can create a cyclical condition during the winter months that can be very damaging to plant life, construction materials, and building details. Occasionally, the region will

Attachment 11 experience a period of extremely cold weather, associated with a southward flow of arctic air masses. These periods typically last from three to ten days and may be accompanied by relatively heavy snows.

Temperature

Temperatures in the region are relatively mild. Uncomfortable extremes, in either summer or winter, are rare and of short duration. January is the coldest month, with an average monthly temperature of 28.8 degrees F (-1.8 C). July is the hottest month, with an average monthly temperature of 71.2 degrees F (21.8 C).

Official recorded extremes at the nearby airport weather station range from 101 degrees F (38.3 C) in June 1874, to -32 degrees F (-35.5 C) in January 1883.

Summer daily high temperatures range in the 70s (21 C) and 80s (26.7 C). On occasions when they do rise into the 90s (32.2 C), the humidity level is usually correspondingly lower, such that uncomfortable and oppressive heat is rare.

Daily low temperatures in the winter range in the teens (-12.2 C) and 20s (-6.7 C). On occasions when temperatures do dip lower, the low humidity level again moderates the impact of the colder weather.

Sun

Schriever AFB and the surrounding region have a generally sunny climate. The mean number of days annually identified as clear is 127.5, partly cloudy 119.4, and cloudy as 118.3. Cloudiness on a daily and seasonal basis is highly variable. One significant daily cycle relating to sky cover occurs in the spring and summer months. This consists of clear skies in the morning, followed by clouds in the afternoon and into the evening. The clouds almost always dissipate by the following day, completing the daily cycle.

Solar heat gain is a welcome contribution during the winter months.

Modest protection from solar heat gain is desirable during the summer months. Due to the high number of clear, sunny days throughout the year, careful attention to shading devices and the use of shadows in design are very important. Overheating potential during the summer is usually a minor problem, due to the afternoon cloud cover. However, occasional hot weather can make a cooling system desirable in most buildings.

An abundance of sunlight and the clarity of the atmosphere combine to create a unique influence on design. Sunlight in Colorado is direct and powerful. This creates an environment which is bright and in which very sharp contrasts develop between sunshine, shade, and shadow. Details, changes of plane and shadow lines can be used as very strong design elements.

The natural combination of clarity and brilliance can be effectively used to satisfy portions of the lighting needs within buildings. These can be in the form of clerestories, skylights, or similar day-lighting techniques.

The region experiences wide daily and annual temperature swings, from very cold to relatively hot. Called "thermal shock", it is a common characteristic of the local climate.

This naturally occurring fact should be a major consideration in energy conscious building design, for thermal mass and time-lag considerations, as well as for plant material selections and locations.

Attachment 11

Shade from buildings and trees can create rather pronounced micro-climates, offering a noticeable cooling effect, as opposed to areas which are subjected to direct sunlight. This is a major consideration when planning outdoor areas for use by people, and for locating plants in areas with conditions which will encourage health and growth.

Wind

Schriever AFB is located on the edge of the high plains, with a resultant lack of natural trees or similar protection. This area is open and unobstructed to the extent that winds from any direction affect the area.

This natural exposure, combined with the natural dryness of the climate, will dictate careful use of plants and building design elements.

The prevailing wind direction is from the north. Mean monthly wind speed ranges from 9.0 miles per hour (14.48 km per hour) in August, up to 11.8 miles per hour (18.99 km per hour) in April. Near the mountains wind speeds of 100 miles per hour (160.93 km per hour) or more have been recorded in the fall, winter, and spring, due to Chinook winds which blow out of the mountains to the west. Similar winds have been recorded at 90 miles per hour (144.84 km per hour) at the airport weather station.

Chinook winds cause rapid rises in winter temperatures, and frequently cause damage in the region.

Chinook winds will sometimes cause the temperature to rise during the night, resulting in surprisingly warm temperatures in the early morning hours before sunrise. Chinook winds also cause a rapid melting of any snow accumulations. Ancient Indians living in the region had observed this phenomenon, referring to these winds as Chinook, or "Snow Eater".

Local winds are moderated due to proximity to the mountains to the west. Because of local terrain features such as mesas, hills, and valleys, wind directions may not always reflect the "prevailing" wind direction. Building entries and outdoor people spaces should be oriented to the south, away from the north winds, as much as possible.

Protection of buildings and plants from high winds is a significant consideration in the selection of materials.

Precipitation

Annual precipitation at Schriever AFB is relatively sparse at 15 inches (381 mm). Generally, more than 80 percent of precipitation falls between April and September, arriving mostly in heavy downpours during summer thunderstorms. The maximum monthly precipitation ever recorded was 8.1 inches (206 mm) in May 1935.

The minimum monthly precipitation was a trace in September, November, December and January in several years, the most recent of which was December 1970. Maximum annual precipitation was 25.4 inches (645 mm) in 1965.

The average annual snowfall is 42.0 inches (1,066.3 mm), with the heaviest occurring in March and April.

Maximum annual snowfall was 89.4 inches (2,27.76 mm) recorded in the winter of 1956-1957.

Occasionally, snow has fallen in the immediate region as late as June. The maximum monthly snow in the area was 42.7 inches (1,084.58 mm) in April 1957. The maximum snow for a 24 hour period was 18.0 inches (457.2 mm) in April 1957.

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4 Schriever AFB FEP

Two unique weather patterns affecting precipitation occasionally occur in the area, caused primarily by the close proximity of the mountains to the west. During the winter months when arctic cold fronts move eastward across Colorado, the massive bulk of the Rocky Mountains helps deflect these storms away from the area. A similar pattern occurs during warmer weather when Pacific fronts move across Colorado, dropping their moisture on Colorado's western slope. This results in a "rain shadow" effect along the eastern slope of the mountains, where precipitation from these storms is rare.

Another unique weather pattern occurs when a storm front and low pressure system moves east across New Mexico. Known locally as an "Albuquerque low", this pattern causes warm, moist air to be drawn in from the Gulf of Mexico. As the system develops, the gulf air mass is pushed up against the east face of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. This is an "upslope" condition where the air cools and condenses at higher elevations, bringing prolonged rain, heavy snowfall or extensive low clouds and fog to the area.

This situation may remain for several days.

Building entries need some protection from the elements, even though the annual precipitation is not excessive.

Location of plants should be carefully studied to take advantage of moisture which may come their way.

Some sources may be drip lines of larger, nearby plants, or downspouts from nearby building roofs.

These types of relationships can mean the difference between plants which survive and those which do not.

Humidity

Relative humidity in Colorado is normally low, being lowest in the daytime hours and rising at night. For the local region, the yearly average daytime relative humidity is 39%, rising to 62% at night.

During winter months, the average humidity percentage ranges from the lower 30s in the day to the upper 50s at night. In summer months, the average ranges from the mid-30s in the day to the upper 60s at night.

Lightning

Because of the numerous summer thunderstorms which move through the area, lightning should be considered an important exterior design influence when designing facilities. Lightning strikes on buildings have been reported frequently over a period of many years. To protect each facility and its contents, it is necessary to include a lightning protection system at all facilities.

Summary

Considering the overall layout and orientation of most existing buildings at Schriever AFB, it appears climate has not played as dominant a role in the architectural visual image as could be expected. For example, most buildings do not incorporate shading devices to work with the abundance of sunshine. Recessed fenestration is rare on south-facing walls of buildings. Most buildings have been oriented to fit within the street grid, not oriented in direct response to climatic conditions. Also, the predominate materials and building forms are generic to military structures all over North America. Thus a unique design response to climate has generally not been practiced. Climate has influenced landscape plant choices in a much more direct and obvious manner. Considering the

Attachment 11

Schriever AFB FEP 5 relatively short growing season, the high elevation, lack of precipitation, and windy, exposed conditions prevalent at Schriever AFB, the choice of which plants will thrive here is limited.

Topography

General Information

Schriever AFB is located in relatively flat semi-arid country immediately east of the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains.

Approximately nineteen miles to the west, the mountains rise abruptly to heights ranging from 10,000 to 14,000 feet (3,048 m to 4,267 m) elevation. Most of Colorado Springs, all of Schriever AFB, and all areas to the east lie on gently undulating prairie lands, the High Plains. The land in the area generally slopes upward to the north, reaching an average height of 8,000 feet (2,438.4 m) along the Palmer Divide, approximately fifteen miles (24.14 km) to the north. The land also gently slopes downward to the east. These prairie elevation changes are not always obvious when one is on the High Plains, since the changes are relatively gradual.

Land Form Character

The land form character is dominated by the arid high plains, punctuated with broad, gently sloping valleys. Schriever AFB is located on a relatively flat plain which comfortably accommodates the base.

Soils

All soils located on Schriever AFB can generally be characterized as sandy soils originating from the weathering of sedimentary formations.

These sandy soils have a neutral pH, and have a high permeability.

This type of soil is especially susceptible to erosion from water or wind action. In areas where the soils have been disturbed because of construction activities, steps need to be taken to stabilize the soils, both on a temporary (during construction) and long-term, permanent basis.

The soil most common to Schriever AFB is Blakeland. This soil is derived from arkosic sandy alluvium, and eolian sediments in the uplands. This soil series consists of deep, somewhat excessively drained loamy sands. The permeability of Blakeland soils is very high.

Soils can indirectly have a large influence upon the visual image of the Schriever AFB area. The potential for erosion is moderate to severe. Soils which have been disturbed or exposed due to construction activity are particularly vulnerable to destructive actions by both wind and water. Soils lacking covering and which have been exposed to wind action have been found to contribute considerable amounts of suspended particulates, resulting in temporary but undesirable dusty conditions near construction sites and dirt roads.

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6 Schriever AFB FEP

Natural Vegetation

The dominant natural vegetation encountered at Schriever AFB is grouped in the Prairie Grasslands Plant Zone.

Prairie Grasslands generally occur in the central Colorado region below 6,000 feet (1,828.8 m) elevation. The immediate Schriever AFB area is toward the upper limits of the Prairie Grasslands.

These grasslands cover treeless terrain dominated by plants belonging to the grass family. The grassland ecosystem occurs as both open prairie grasslands and as lowland meadows adjacent to creeks. Common grassland associations are Blue Grama and Buffalo Grass, containing numerous individual species. Various low shrubs scattered throughout the grasslands are Prickly Pear Cactus and Yucca, among others. These shrubs occur intermittently throughout the grasslands in varying concentrations due to elevation, natural drainage and exposure. Along intermittent streams a few scattered groups of deciduous trees grow, including Plains Cottonwood, Box Elder, and Peachleaf Willow.

A few isolated groves of Ponderosa Pine occur in association with protected rock outcroppings in the area.

The exposed, nearly treeless prairie grasslands have a large influence on the existing visual image of Schriever AFB. The naturally open landscape allows the viewer unobstructed panoramas of a wide area, sometimes providing views for several miles (km) from prominent high points. The grasslands act as a visual unifier in the area, helping to soften differences found in the built environment. The light tan and beige colors of the grasses provide a dominant yet subtle visual element. Because of the open nature of the landscape, views of the mountains to the west are a dominant visual influence at Schriever AFB.

Vicinity

Schriever AFB is located approximately nineteen miles east of downtown Colorado Springs. The region has been identified for decades with the physical beauty of the nearby mountains, Pikes Peak in particular, and the aesthetic environment in general. The Colorado Springs region has long been a destination vacation and resort area. Numerous points of interest in the region have attracted many tourists over the years.

In addition to the Schriever Air Force Base there are other important military installations in the region. These include Peterson Air Force Base, Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station, Fort Carson south of Colorado Springs and the United States Air Force Academy to the north. The concentration of these facilities creates a unique and positive character for the immediate region.

Over the past several decades, many electronic and computer-related industries have moved into the region. These industries have attracted many well-educated executives and technicians to the area.

These people typically have high expectations not only in their work, but also in their choice of community in which to live. As a whole, these people tend to be concerned about amenities and "quality of life" issues, when choosing a community to call home. The presence of these high-tech industries and their people adds a special flavor to the character of the Colorado Springs region.

Attachment 11

Schriever AFB FEP 7

Currently, Colorado Springs and the Pikes Peak Region have no architectural design guidelines or common regional design aesthetic upon which to draw design content.

The activities, installations, and organizations discussed above promote a positive and unique community. Each type of activity not only attracts great numbers of people to the area, but many of those are high-ranking government and military officials and high-level business executives. A large percentage of these people will come to the area by air, making the Colorado Springs Municipal Airport their point of arrival.

Urban Edges

When the original municipal airport was established, Colorado Springs was a small city, where the urban area was five or six miles (8.05 to 9.66 km) to the west. The immediate area surrounding the airport and on east was open, ranch grazing land with very few residents. In the following decades, the Colorado Springs region proceeded through a period of very rapid growth.

By 1990, the metropolitan area population had grown to over 280,000.

During this time, the urban area was expanding eastward. During the 1980s and early 1990s, housing developments were being built immediately to the north of the airport, and areas to the south of the airport were also starting to develop. During the 1980‟s the city annexed the Banning-Lewis Ranch located east of the then city boundary and Schriever. To date, development of the ranch is in the north portion near Falcon. This process will continue in the future, as the urban area expands further eastward. Currently, Schriever AFB finds itself a few miles beyond the edge of the urbanized area. The base could be totally surrounded by a new urban fabric in the future. Development has already begun ½ mile west to the base‟s west gate and a large development is imminent north of Schriever‟s north boundary west of Enoch Road. As this process develops, Schriever AFB will be subjected to a progressively more intense visual scrutiny by the local civilian population. For these reasons, the quality of the visual environment at Schriever AFB will be an important issue in the future.

“In wildness is the preservation of the world.” - Henry David Thoreau.

Design Principles

Several design principles come into play when designing any environment, whether the end result is aimed at building design, landscape design, or site elements design. These principles are common to the design process, and are briefly listed here to help smooth the overall process of getting from the inventory and analysis phase to the application of design guidelines within the FEP. These include brief discussions concerning climate, regional characteristics, aesthetic concerns, and materials selection.

“People say that they do not want to live near where they work; but that they would like to work near where they live.” - Zev Cohen

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8 Schriever AFB FEP

Regional Characteristics

Topography

The predominantly flat character of the high plains topography in the immediate vicinity of Schriever AFB has allowed the built environment to grow in all directions with a minimum of natural constraints.

This flatness has also produced a situation in the built environment where unobstructed views in all directions can be a visual hazard. The natural flatness has not encouraged visual breaks and interruptions in the ground plane to add a more vertical element to the built environment. By containing some of these views, a sense of place can be created.

Views of the mountains to the west should be incorporated into designs for both buildings and landscape.

This is a natural resource which has not always been used effectively in past designs. This view in itself provides a spectacular backdrop which can enhance the unique location of Schriever AFB. Future designs should be approached with a conscious effort at orientation toward desirable views to capture the spirit of the Pikes Peak region.

Regional Style

Schriever AFB and the Colorado Springs area have developed over the years without the emergence of a recognizable regional "style" of architecture. Much of the architectural expression in the area has been borrowed from other regions, often from other time periods.

Architecture in all of Colorado could be characterized as a variety of eclectic styles and influences, with no dominant architectural group which could readily be associated with the region.

Many of the landscape materials used throughout the Pikes Peak region have also been brought in from other regions. A majority of the people who live in the Colorado Springs area have lived in other parts of the country. When they move to Colorado, many of these people tend to dislike using the trees, shrubs, and grasses which grow naturally in the area. They typically want to see more "green" than that afforded by the local natural selections. Over the years, many plants from other regions have been successfully introduced.

Almost all landscape materials introduced into the region need supplemental irrigation to survive, especially in the first few growing seasons. This has been a central element to landscape design for many years. In more recent years, however, concerns over limited water supplies for the future have generated a wider acceptance of "xeriscape", a planting strategy to help conserve water.

Aesthetic Principles

The design process involves a synthesis and problem solving effort on a variety of levels. The design must obviously accommodate the specific activities and missions of the user. Additionally, it must harmonize with the prevailing climate, land forms, and context of the existing built environment. To be a significant example of good design, it must be aesthetically successful, to possess a visual "spirit" of its own. Design involves basic principles which are common to all design disciplines, including building, landscape, site design, interior design, and pure visual/graphic arts. These include form, shape, massing, scale, color, rhythm, hierarchy, and a sense of place.

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Schriever AFB FEP 9

Form, Shape, Proportion & Hierarchy

The primary characteristics of a form are its inherent shape and its proportions, with shape being the principal identifying characteristic. Shape is derived from the specific configuration of a form's surfaces and edges. This edge contour, or silhouette, outlining the volume, is the primary clue to identifying the form of an object.

Proportion is most often considered to be the relationship of an object's height to its width and length. A consistent use of proportion can play an important part in creating or perpetuating a coherent design character. The overall intent of proportion is to create a sense of order among all the elements of a visual composition.

Hierarchy is a way to visually demonstrate significance or triviality. It implies that a space or form due to its unique size, shape, location, or function is given dominance or is articulated differently from the rest of the spaces, forms, etc.

In architecture, the size and shape of a building‟s roof and elevations are probably the most important form-giving characteristics. A consistent use of form and shape can help add to the coherent and consistent desired visual image.

New construction should exhibit contemporary expressions, but it should evoke the forms as well as the mass, scale, and proportion of the adjacent buildings.

Hierarchy

The principle of hierarchy is especially important at military installations such as Schriever AFB. The pride of military service is characterized by the ideals of discipline, where the individual is expressed as part of a group greater than itself.

Hierarchy is also an important visual principle in design composition. The various parts of an object should express not only their individual function, but also their relative importance and symbolic roles in the total composition. Hierarchy can be expressed in several different ways; strategic location, extraordinary detail, unusual shape, or an exceptional or imposing size.

Size, Massing & Scale

Size, massing, and scale are three interwoven design considerations. The size of an object is represented by the quantitative aspect of its height x length x width.

The mass of an object is essentially its visual bulk. The arrangement of an object, portions of an object, or groups of objects, is the primary tool in manipulating apparent size, and therefore it‟s overall massing.

Massing is important in identifying objects, but is also critical in relating the object visually with its overall context or surroundings. Through proper building massing, a design can be blended into its context or visual surroundings. For example, by breaking down the visual mass of a building‟s façade or plan into

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10 Schriever AFB FEP smaller elements, a building with a large mass can be made compatible with neighboring buildings of smaller masses.

An object's scale is determined by its size relative to other forms within its visual context. As we develop perceptions about the size of the object, we tend to use other elements, whose size is familiar, as measuring devices. Doors, windows, bricks, and the human body are most commonly used as scale-giving elements. The term “human scale” refers to the sense of scale and proportions that are comfortable to the human being. Monumental scale can be achieved by over-sizing fenestration elements. Smaller, more detailed fenestration can give a more human scale to a building. Blank walls without detail tend to convey an ambiguous and somewhat monumental sense of scale.

Principles of scale should be used for new buildings and additions to enhance their relationship to the surrounding structures. In general, new buildings should be limited to two or three stories. If the new building is taller than the adjacent building, transitional elements and forms should be used to ease this transition of scale. Large or extremely long buildings should be articulated to help achieve the appropriate scale.

Articulation & Rhythm

The principles of rhythm and repetition refer to the use of recurring patterns and sequences and their resultant rhythms, which can organize or articulate a building‟s façade or a group of buildings and spaces. In building design, rhythm or regular patterns can be made by repeating elements such as windows, doors, and pilasters. A designer can manipulate these details and others either horizontally or vertically. The principles of rhythm can also be applied to successfully articulate large building masses. Variety can be added to large floor areas or visual interest can be added to large facades while maintaining architectural unity. Rhythm is an important device to utilize when trying to relate a new building to an existing adjacent building. By recognizing and replicating rhythms found in surrounding buildings, a new building can be compatible with its neighbors.

Principles for the articulation of the exterior of a building would include building entrances and door and window groupings. Entrances need special definition, which can be accomplished by the use of porticos, canopies, or vestibules. As the ceremonial and functional importance of a building increases, so should the importance and placement of its entries. The design and placement of exterior windows is another element that can help create visual order.

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Schriever AFB FEP 11

Accent

The design principle of accent might also be described as the creation of focal points. A focal point, by definition, is that portion of the environment or visual composition which attracts the viewer's eye. It is unique, readily distinguishable, and sets itself apart in contrast to the remainder of the environment. Accent can be used successfully in the environment to attract attention to good design, while helping to play down the presence of objects which do not fit visually.

Material & Color

The repetitive uses of similar forms, combined with the relatively consistent use of exterior building materials, are the significant factors which contribute to the visual design continuity on Schriever Air Force Base. Consistent building material selections play a critical role in enhancing future development, while providing durability and ease of maintenance, critical in extending facility lifespan.

Exterior building materials should always be designated as primary or secondary. Primary materials, covering the majority of a building's exterior, provide the greatest visual impact and maintenance issues. Secondary materials are those which cover smaller, lesser portions of the wall surface. To reinforce the effectiveness of the overall composition, a limited palette of secondary materials should be used.

Exterior materials and their colors must use factory applied finishes to the maximum extent possible, to help minimize maintenance and standardize materials able to resist the punishing environment of SAFB.

Color is a prime consideration in the choice of materials, preferably those indigenous to a local environment. Color has been used successfully to visually unify groups of objects, in cases where other design principles have been applied in a haphazard manner for each object, and can be more effective than object form. Response to color is highly subjective and often emotional. The treatment of color must be an important aspect of design given the restrained, uniform & consistent built environment of SAFB. Accent colors can be used sparingly to enhance elements of a facade.

Sense of Place

A "sense of place" refers to the common feeling of experiencing a definitive space. This definition is provided by the unique character of objects which create the boundaries of that space, as well as providing the amount of enclosure. This sense of place is an important ingredient in the quest to provide a successful environment at Schriever AFB, given the open, empty nature of the natural high plains setting.

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12 Schriever AFB FEP

Architectural Compatibility

Architectural compatibility is expressed on two distinct levels. In a broad sense, it addresses the harmonious integration of the overall built environment into its natural surroundings. Closer scrutiny interprets the inter relationship among existing structures.

The existing local architecture (design context) must be considered when determining a facility‟s architectural characteristics. Significant positive design elements that exist in the design context can be used to create continuity in the fabric of the installation. Using elements that exist in the design context such as the repetition of colors, lines, textures, shapes, proportions, and massing of forms will help ensure the new or renovated facility looks as though it belongs to the existing context of the installation.

The goal of architectural compatibility is to create continuity while avoiding monotony. Where no significant elements exist within the adjacent context, the designer should look to the regional context to establish an architectural character.

Additional direction on architectural compatibility is available from the Air Force Architectural Compatibility Guide, located on the AFCEE web page.

Material Selection

The repetitive uses of similar forms, combined with the relatively consistent use of exterior building materials, are the significant factors which contribute to the visual design continuity on Schriever AFB. Consistent building material selection will play an important role in extending and enhancing defined character areas in the future.

Exterior building materials should always be designated as primary or secondary. Primary materials, covering the majority of a building's exterior, provide the greatest visual impact. Secondary materials are those which cover smaller, lesser portions of the wall surface. To avoid visual clutter and to reinforce the effectiveness of the overall composition, a limited palette of secondary materials should be used.

Exterior materials and their colors should use factory applied finishes to the maximum extent possible, to help minimize periodic field painting exercises and related maintenance.

Site Location Analysis

In addition to the numerous Exterior Design influences and principles previously discussed, the site location is a very important determinant of project design. The project site should be very carefully studied for overall context and character of the surrounding built environment.

Adjacent buildings, streets, landscaping, and site design elements will help determine to a large degree the character of the new design under consideration. For example, a project located in the Community Center would most likely be treated differently from a project

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Schriever AFB FEP 13 located along the flight line or in warehouse areas.

This part of site analysis involves intangibles which are not always easily verified or controlled by a document such as the FEP. Many of these location issues are controlled in the guidelines, but numerous cases will inevitably arise where subjective, experienced judgment will be required in making project site orientation decisions. The intent of the FEP is to provide as much character analysis and visual "flavor" as possible for each base character area such that future designers can easily interpolate a reasonable solution.

“America's public spaces are sized by the requirements of the biggest fire engine the community can afford to buy.” -Andrés Duany

Energy Management Design

In the design process, a major consideration must be energy conservation and compliance to realize Air Force energy management strategies. All designers, whether in-house or contracted, have an obligation to incorporate energy efficient design into their projects. This is not to limit the creative design process but in fact to encourage solutions that fulfill the user requirements and at the same time acknowledge limited resources. This philosophy must be applied consistently throughout the building envelope design, major building systems design, and the individual product selection process to be effective.