Atch_1_Appendix_F_-_Randolph_ACG.pdf

Architectural Compatibility Guide 1 Randolph Air Force Base

Executive Summary To understand architectural compatibility and how it affects the Air Force, an understanding of the term is necessary.

Compatible is generally defined as “the ability to exist and perform in harmonious combination.” Architectural compatibility results from designing and building facilities in harmony with their natural and surrounding built environment. Therefore, architectural compatibility is concerned not only with the physical appearance of buildings, but with site planning, landscape development, security, and sustainability.

Military installations should provide efficient and pleasant physical environments conducive to attracting and retaining skilled and motivated personnel. The design, location, and maintenance of individual elements such as buildings, roads, parking lots, signs, and landscaping create the quality of the environment. Each of the elements should be functional, attractive, and harmonious with each other. This helps to create an environment that enhances the capability of the installations to support their mission and fosters pride in, and a commitment to military service.

Adoption of these guidelines by base leadership will ensure compliance and result in a homogenous community fabric improving overall installation appearance and mission effectiveness.

Specific study objectives include:

• To promote the sense of a unified community by strengthening the prevailing character of the base

• To define goals and objectives leading to more consistency for leadership decision-making

• To provide a view of the base in terms of Visual Districts

• To discuss recommended architectural themes for each

Visual District

Appendix F

Architectural Compatibility Guide 2

Executive Summary

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

1.2 Use & Implementation

2 Base Information

2.1 Installation Profile

2.1.1 Location

2.1.2 Mission Summary

2.1.3 History of Base

2.2 Local Characteristics

2.2.1 Climate & Weather

2.2.2 Prevailing Architectural Character

2.2.3 Topography

3 Architectural Design Guidelines

3.1 Landscape/Site Design

3.1.1 Introduction

3.1.2 Installation Boundaries

3.1.3 Circulation

3.1.4 Open Spaces

3.1.5 Planting

3.1.6 Xeriscaping

3.1.7 Exterior Signage

3.1.8 Site Furniture

3.1.9 Site Lighting

3.2 Anti-Terrorism/Force Protection

3.2.1 Introduction

3.2.2 Building Security Zones

3.2.3 Building siting

3.2.4 Vehicular Barriers

3.2.5 Building Forms

3.3 Sustainable Design

3.3.1 Introduction

3.3.2 Optimize Site Potential

3.3.3 Minimize Energy Consumption

Architectural Compatibility Guide 3

3.3.4 Protect and Conserve Water

3.3.5 Use Environmentally Preferable Products

3.3.6 Enhance Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)

3.3.7 Optimize Operational and Maintenance Practices

3.3.8 Air Force Sustainable Design Policy

3.4 General Design Standards

3.4.1 Introduction

3.4.2 Context

3.4.3 Site Planning

3.4.4 Form

3.4.5 Scale

3.4.6 Articulation

3.4.7 Interior Design

3.4.8 Special Considerations for Historical Facilities

3.5 Visual Districts

3.5.1 Introduction

3.5.2 Main Entry District

3.5.3 Community District

3.5.4 Educational Districts

3.5.5 Administrative District

3.5.6 Lodging District

3.5.7 Dormitory District

3.5.8 Family Housing District

3.5.9 Training District

3.5.10 Recreation Districts

3.5.11 Flightline District

3.5.12 West Base District

3.5.13 Open Space District

4 Planning & Design Resources

Architectural Compatibility Guide 4

1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose

The purpose of the Architectural Compatibility Guide (ACG) is to establish and document installation-specific standards and provide a tool to assure these standards are consistently applied. The ACG strives to recognize the cultural, environmental, climatic and existing facility conditions particular to Randolph AFB and define the appropriate styles, finishes, and materials to be used to achieve the best facility life-cycle costs and still retain the appropriate environment for people to achieve their highest productivity and efficiency.

• Provide a record of established goals, objectives, and decisions leading to more consistent decisions when a change in installation leadership occurs.

• Improve the environment through the installation’s construction projects.

• Provide a mechanism for environmental design continuity.

• Develop a baseline for review and, if necessary, for changes that may occur as a result of redirection in goals and objectives.

• Establish consistency in installation development which takes into account all elements of the environment.

• Influence design expression. These principles should not be so specific that design freedom is restricted. A designer should have sufficient latitude for creativity.

• Provide clear and consistent communication between the Air Force and designers; whether they are in-house or contracted professionals.

• Improve programming and budgeting by limiting the range of options and promoting consistency.

• Impart a sense of pride, organization, vitality, and good management. The installation should convey the feeling that it is a good place to work and live. It should reflect a leadership that cares about its people.

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1.2 Use & Implementation

The ACG is a tool to chart a course towards installation excellence and provides a means to assess the installation’s progress in achieving that end. The ACG is intended to be used at all stages of the facility delivery process from programming through construction, and even operations and maintenance. It is essential that the ACG be provided to the design agent and AE consultants early in the design process to assure that the entire design team understands the applicable design standards and objectives for the project.

The ACG is by no means a stand-alone document. It should always be used in conjunction with the planning and design resources found in chapter 4 of this document to ensure compliance with Base standards and goals.

Implementing a strict design review process is important to ensure the Architectural Compatibility Plan is followed as projects are conceived, designed, and constructed. The flowchart to the left outlines the typical process for ensuring compliance with this guide.

YES

Determine which Visual District the proposed site falls in

Read and understand the requirements of the

ACG

Determine the architectural parameters appropriate for that Visual District

Develop conceptual design which addresses the stated objectives for the Visual District

Submit design to the design review board

Does the design comply with the specific design parameters laid out in the ACG?

Continue to review project for compliance throughout the construction process

NO

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2 Base Information

2.1 Installation Profile

2.1.1 Location

Randolph AFB is located in south-central Texas on the northeastern edge of San Antonio.

2.1.2 Mission Summary

Randolph is one of the few bases in the Air Force that does instructor pilot training. Joint Undergraduate Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer Training is also held at Randolph.

The 12th Flying Training Wing provides air transportation and immediate response emergency airlift in the C-21A Learjet, and trains and equips its people to meet the Air Force's worldwide mobility commitment. In addition, the 12th Flying Training Wing is responsible for the operational test and evaluation of newly acquired training systems and modifications to existing systems.

2.1.3 History of Base

Randolph Air Force Base was dedicated June 20, 1930, as a flying training base and continues in that mission today.

The idea for Randolph began soon after the establishment of the Air Corps Act in 1926, which changed the name of the Army Air Service to the Army Air Corps, created two new brigadier general positions and provided a five-year expansion program for the under-strength Air Corps. One of the new general officer positions was given to Frank P. Lahm, who was placed in charge of all flying training.

General Lahm established the Air Corps Training Center and set up its headquarters at Duncan Field, next to Kelly Field, Texas. He soon learned the facilities at Kelly and Brooks Fields were not sufficient for proper training. The buildings, erected during World War I with a life expectancy of five years, had no suitable areas for ground training and the living quarters were inadequate. San Antonio's rapid growth began to

Architectural Compatibility Guide 7 interfere with flight training operations. The Air Corps soon decided an additional training field was needed, and a site north of San Antonio was chosen for the new field.

In 1926 and 1927, 1st Lt. Harold Clark contributed to the design of Randolph while assigned as dispatch officer in the Kelly Field motor pool. Having trained as an architect prior to entering the military, Lieutenant Clark sketched his ideas of a perfect "Air City" on the back of old dispatch sheets. After learning a new field was to be built, Lieutenant Clark took his drawings to General Lahm, who was so impressed with the designs he appointed him to be the architect in charge of the Randolph Field project. It was, at the time, the largest construction project undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers since the Panama Canal.

Once the site for the field was selected, a committee decided to name the base after William Millican Randolph, a native of Austin, who, during his 9-year flying career, earned a remarkable record and contributed immeasurably to the progress of aviation. On Feb. 17, 1928, while returning to his duties at Kelly, he crashed his AT-4 on takeoff from Gorman Field, Texas. Ironically, Captain Randolph was serving on the committee to select a name for the new field at the time of his death. Captain Randolph is buried at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Randolph Field was dedicated June 20, 1930, with an estimated 15,000 people in attendance and a fly-by of 233 planes, possibly the largest assembly of military aircraft in the world.

Early in 1931, the School of Aviation Medicine from Brooks Field and the first cadets from the Air Corps Flying School at Duncan Field, then a part of Kelly AFB, began relocating to Randolph.

By the autumn of 1931, Randolph was ready for business. On October 1, the Air Corps Training Center moved its headquarters from Duncan Field to Randolph. The flying school at Brooks Field transferred to Randolph on October 20, while the school at March Field transferred on October 25. The School of Aviation Medicine also transferred from Brooks Field during 1931.

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Basic flying training continued until March 1943, when the central instructors’ school took over. For the next two years, training instructors for the Air Corps' ground training and primary, basic and advanced flying training was the main mission. Randolph produced 15,396 instructor graduates from this course before it moved to Waco Field in 1945. When the central instructors’ school moved to Waco Field it was replaced by the Army Air Force pilot school, which specialized in transition training for B-29 bomber pilots, copilots and engineers. Primary pilot training returned to Randolph from Goodfellow Field on December 1945.

The Army Air Force also planned to return basic pilot training to Randolph on 1 February 1946. Even though basic training transferred from Goodfellow Field in February 1946, the Army Air Force suspended all pilot training when it found itself desperately short of maintenance personnel. The suspension was later lifted and Randolph concentrated on its pilot training mission. The Air Force reshaped pilot training into two separate four-month phases in March 1948. Primary pilot training moved on in December 1950. Basic pilot training changed over to nine new contract schools in July 1951.

Since its beginning in 1930, Randolph has been a flying training base. Pilots had been trained in the basic and primary phase of flying, returned for instructor training or had gone through combat crew training. From 1967-1971 1,269 pilots earned their wings at Randolph. Also, Randolph produced pilots in two unique classes. During WWII, Class 42-X gave 235 pilots their wings in an experimental course. Class 62-FZ produced 25 pilots who completed their training in the new T- 38A, still undergoing test and evaluation.

After the Air Force became a separate service Sept. 18, 1947, Randolph Field was officially renamed Randolph Air Force Base on Jan. 13, 1948.

Before the current 12th Flying Training Wing, the 3510th Flying Training Wing was the host unit at Randolph. The 3510th FTW started out as the 3510th Basic Pilot Training Wing on Aug. 28, 1948. This unit became the 3510th Combat Crew Training Wing on Jan. 1, 1952 and then the 3510th FTW on June 11, 1952. The 12th Flying Training Wing replaced the 3510th FTW on May 1, 1972.

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The 12th Flying Training Wing traces its heritage back to the 12th Bombardment Group. The 12th BG served in North Africa, Sicily, Italy, Burma and India during World War II.

When the 12th Flying Training Wing activated on Randolph, it was redesignated from the combat-proven 12th Tactical Fighter Wing.

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2.2 Local Characteristics

2.2.1 Climate & Weather

With its location on the northwestern edge of the Gulf Coastal Plain, San Antonio experiences a modified subtropical climate.

Average monthly temperatures range from the 50s in winter to 80s in summer.

During winter the area is alternately influenced by a continental climate, when winds blow from the north and west and by a modified maritime climate, when south and southeast winds blow from the Gulf of Mexico. Mild weather prevails during most of the winter. Below freezing temperatures occur on average about 20 days each year.

During the summer the climate becomes more tropical with prevailing south and southeast winds. The moderating effects of the Gulf of Mexico prevent extremely high temperatures;

however, summers are usually long and hot with daily maximum temperatures above 90 over 80 percent of the time.

San Antonio is situated between a semi-arid area to the west and a much wetter and more humid area to the east. Such a location allows for large variations in monthly and annual

Architectural Compatibility Guide 11 precipitation amounts. The normal annual precipitation for San Antonio is about 30 inches.

Since San Antonio is located only 140 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, tropical storms occasionally affect the city with strong winds and heavy rains.

2.2.2 Prevailing Architectural Character

The character of Randolph AFB has been preserved and enhanced through the use of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. This style is exemplified by the use of medium to low sloped red clay tile roofs, light colored thick exterior walls, small window and exterior openings, often shaded by overhangs or balconies, long, low building masses, ceramic tile accents and wrought iron railings. Good examples of the desired architecture are evident throughout the base, but are highlighted by the Taj Mahal, AETC Headquarters, Circle Housing, Chapel 1, and The Visiting Officers Quarters.

2.2.3 Topography

The city of San Antonio is located in the south-central portion of Texas on the Balcones escarpment. Northwest of the city, the terrain slopes upward to the Edwards Plateau, and to the southeast it slopes downward to the Gulf Coastal Plains. Soils are blackland clay and silty loam on the Plains and thin limestone soils on the Edwards Plateau. Randolph covers 3,953 acres.

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3 Architectural Design Guidelines

3.1 Landscape/Site Design

3.1.1 Introduction

Landscaping and site design should provide developed outdoor spaces to promote social interaction and foster a sense of community on the base. Existing features, such as trees and views should be capitalized on whenever possible.

3.1.2 Installation Boundaries

The appearance of installation boundaries can be enhanced by providing simple and low maintenance plantings such as pine trees and shrubs. These plantings can also serve to limit sight lines into the facility, thus improving security. Plan perimeter landscaping in such a way that surveillance of the secure perimeter is not compromised.

3.1.3 Circulation

Streets Provide access to facilities from secondary (collector) streets to reduce congestion associated with main arterial streets.

Where possible, divide main entrances with landscaped traffic medians between entry and exit lanes.

Sidewalks Sidewalks, plazas, and covered walkways should be an important element in any new construction project.

• Sidewalks should be separated from vehicular traffic whenever possible.

• Walkways to building entrances should be 8 feet wide.

• Sidewalks should typically be 6 feet wide.

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Bicycle Paths Bicycles comprise an alternate form of transportation at Randolph AFB, but often they must compete with motorized vehicles and pedestrians for roadway space. Dedicated bicycle paths are encouraged in new circulation development to allow safe movement by bicycle to all major areas of the base.

• Separate bike routes from both roadways and sidewalks.

• The width of the bike routes shall be a minimum of 8 feet.

• Provide concrete or asphalt paving for bike routes.

• Crossings shall be marked with clearly visible painted stripes.

• Careful attention should be paid to curb cuts at roadway intersections.

Parking Areas Vehicle parking areas consume more site space and impact more on the physical environment than any other site feature.

Paving increases storm water runoff, results in increased reflected and absorbed radiation, and raises the ambient air temperature of the surrounding area. Parking areas also contribute to reflected sun glare off vehicles, increased air pollution, and concentrated contamination of runoff from leaking oil and antifreeze. Parking lots should effectively remove vehicles from the street, be well lit, and include convenient walkways from the parking spaces up to the main entry of the building they serve.

Small parking areas are usually preferable to large parking areas, as they enhance the visual environment by increasing the percentage of landscaped area to paved area.

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Figure 3.1 – Dead-end parking may only be used to serve 20 or fewer parking spaces.

Figure 3.2 – Parking lots with more than 20 spaces require separate ingress/egress drives.

Parking areas shall be designed based on the following criteria:

• Parking lots should be located to maximize sharing with other related facilities.

• Typical parking bay shall be 9 feet x 19 feet.

• 90-degree spaces and two-way traffic aisles are the desired configuration.

• Minimum distance between parking areas and buildings shall be 82 feet (25 meters).

• One-way drives should be a minimum of 12 feet wide.

• Two-way drives should be between 24-26 feet wide.

• Curbing shall be continuous where possible and serve as wheel stops.

• Avoid on-street parking.

• Parking lots that promote cross-traffic between parallel streets should be avoided.

• On-street, head-in parking that would require backing of a vehicle onto any street should not be permitted.

• Parking and crosswalk striping should follow base standards or the Military Traffic Management Command Transportation Engineering Agency (MTMCTEA).

• Perimeter screen planting shall be encouraged to minimize the visual impact of parking areas.

• Within large parking areas rows shall be divided by a center island. Islands shall be at least 8 feet wide if they are to contain trees.

• Avoid planting shrubs in islands. Trees are acceptable.

• Lighting poles shall be located in center or side islands.

• Comply with the requirements of the Americans with

Disabilities Act (ADA) for the design of parking areas.

• Accessible parking shall be provided at the following ratios:

Up to 100 spaces: 1 accessible bay per 25 bays. 100 to 200 spaces: 1 accessible bay per 50 bays. 200 to 500 spaces: 1 disabled bay per 100 bays

• Accessible parking spaces shall be designated by a sign showing the symbol of accessibility.

• Ramps should be provided for the handicapped as required.

Architectural Compatibility Guide 15

• Angled parking shall be as per the Military Traffic Management Command Transportation Engineering Agency

(MTMCTEA).

Figure 3.2 – Orient driving aisles perpendicular to the facility, minimizing pedestrian aisle crossings.

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3.1.4 Open Spaces

Open spaces are an important feature to include in facility development. They are especially important in housing, dormitory, school, and community districts. Outdoor spaces may be formally or informally defined. Courtyards and atriums are examples of formal outdoor spaces. Informal outdoor spaces are typically defined with the use of site furnishings or landscaping.

• Provide proper lighting at outdoor spaces that are intended for evening use.

• Paving should be kept to a minimum in order to reduce reflected solar radiation.

• Playground equipment shall conform to safety and accessibility standards.

• Provide site amenities such as barbeque pits, picnic tables, and pavilions adjacent to housing and community districts.

3.1.5 Planting

Landscaping has an enormous impact on installation appearance and resource conservation. The creative and appropriate use of trees, shrubs, plants, and topography can create pleasant and stimulating surroundings for work, home, and recreation.

Among the functional uses of plants are:

Shade Provision – Deciduous trees planted to the south, east, and west of facilities provide summer shade. As these trees lose their leaves in winter, they allow for solar heat gain.

Sound Attenuation – Trees and shrubs can be effective noise buffers. A combination of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs is more effective than exclusively deciduous plants.

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Figure 3.3 – Functional uses of landscaping.

Wind Protection – Dense masses of large evergreen trees can be used to intercept prevailing winter and summer winds. This can influence the energy efficiency of facilities and increase the livability of outside spaces.

Glare Control – Trees, shrubs and vegetation can dramatically reduce glare and reflection especially in parking lots.

Air Filtration – Large masses of plants can physically and chemically filter and deodorize the air, reducing air pollution.

Trees help to clean the air by removing poisonous gases and particulate matter such as pollen and dust. Trees also reduce atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide

Architectural – Plants can effectively be used to define exterior spaces. The following are some of the architectural uses of plants:

• Provide context for a building.

• Soften corners, angles, bare walls, and hard architectural lines.

• Accent entry areas and serve as focal points.

• Provide a transition between the vertical walls of a building and the horizontal ground plane.

• Function as a barrier to vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

• Screen undesirable features such as mechanical equipment, substations, transformers, and service areas.

• ATFP unobstructed space requirements must be considered.

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3.1.6 Xeriscaping

Xeriscape is the conservation of water and energy through creative and adaptive landscape design. Xeriscape landscapes provide attractive solutions that save water and maintenance.

Xeriscape is an attractive, sustainable landscape that conserves water and is based on sound horticultural practices.

Xeriscaping should not be confused with “zero-scaping”. Any landscape can be a Xeriscape if attention is given to conserving water and using indigenous plantings. Xeriscaping is a method, not a style, of landscaping.

Xeriscape Principles By applying the following principles of xeriscape design, installations can use valuable water resources efficiently and lower maintenance requirements while increasing the aesthetic appeal of the landscape:

• Plan and design comprehensively – Have a plan. Find out where things are. Consider the view, slope, exposure and soils of the area. Take into account the existing vegetation and topography of the site and intended use. Decide where things will be. Decide when things will be done. Most landscapes are best done in phases.

• Minimize Turf Areas – The type and location of turf areas should be considered a major design element of the landscape. The selection and location of turf should be decided on the same basis as other plantings, such as your purpose and function of the landscape. The reduction or elimination of high water-use turf areas, and locating them separately so that they may be watered more efficiently, can result in significant reductions in water use.

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• Improve the Soil – Improve the soil through the addition of organic matter.

Plants will grow better and use water more effectively and efficiently.

• Irrigate Efficiently – If an irrigation system is to be installed, it should be well planned and well managed. Turf areas should be watered separately. Group plants with like water needs, and water each group on separate zones. Not all plants need the same amount of water. Irrigation needs to change with the season and the weather. Irrigate according to the needs of the plants, rather than watering on a fixed schedule. Even plants used in Xeriscape will require supplemental irrigation until they become established (two or three years).

• Select Appropriate Plants – Plant selection should be based on the intended use in the landscape. Use of more plants with low water needs and native plants will allow the maximum water conservation.

• Use Organic Mulches – Mulch minimizes evaporation, reduces weed growth, slows erosion and helps prevent soil temperature fluctuations.

Organic mulch such as wood chips or bark is best, and although this mulch will decompose slowly over time, it will improve the soil by adding nutrients. The use of plastic is not recommended because it will cause organic mulch to slide and prevent air and water from filtering into the soil.

• Practice Proper Maintenance – Proper pruning, weeding and fertilization, plus attention to the irrigation system, will preserve and enhance the quality of Xeriscape. A landscape adapted to the environment will require less maintenance, less fertilizer and reduce the use of pesticides and other chemicals.

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Some maintenance practices that can save water are:

• Raise the height of turf grass mowers.

• Regularly inspect irrigation sprinklers.

• Replenish mulch around plants.

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Exterior monument sign

Exterior post mounted sign

3.1.7 Exterior Signage

Only signs that professionally communicate direction and location to those functions and activities that truly warrant identification shall be used. The number of signs on each installation shall be held to the absolute minimum required for directions, identification, and customer service. Develop and execute a plan that standardizes sign material, color, style, and placement throughout the base.

General Standards Exterior and interior signs will have a standard installation format, color, and size as specified in UFC 3-120-01 Unified Facilities Criteria Air Force Sign Standard. Particular attention is directed to the following:

• Interior signage shall comply with Chapter 11.

• Exterior signage shall comply with Chapter 4.

• Main gate signs shall conform with Section 4B, pages 66 thru 75.

• Signs placed in and around the airfield environment, must comply with the requirements of AFI 32-1044, Visual Air Navigation Systems.

The command publication “AETC Installation Excellence Guide” should also be used as a reference.

Exterior signs (except traffic control signs) should be in shades of brown and the 3-dimensional letters shall be black and mounted directly on the facility or sign compliant with the base exterior sign program and color scheme. All signage must be consistent with the installation’s architectural guidelines.

Entry Signs Installation entry signs greet the visitor and set the “first impression” of the base. Use unpainted stainless or aluminum letters on a stucco background which is compatible with the base architectural theme.

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Exterior directional signage

Base entry signs shall contain only the following information:

• Air Force Symbol

• The words “U.S. AIR FORCE”

• The installation name

Directional Install directional signs only where needed to guide visitors and new base personnel.

Buildings Identify buildings with 3-dimensional letters mounted directly to the facility. Ensure individual letter-type signs affixed to buildings are readable from a reasonable distance on the frontage street. See base exterior sign program for more details. Do not place logos, emblems, or murals on buildings.

Street Signs Street signs will have brown background with white letters and will display the AETC shield to the left of the street name.

Consolidate traffic signs to the extent allowable on the same posts.

Warning Signs Install warning signs only where required by codes. Use warning colors (red, yellow, etc.) as accent, not as background. Keep lettering sized to what is required: for example, if a sign is to be readable at 25 feet, do not install a sign that’s readable at 200 feet. Consolidate multiple hazard signs at a single location rather than spreading them across the building. Do not place signs on doors unless it is necessary to provide information concerning the room behind the door. For example, a sign considered necessary would be a warning sign for a high-voltage electrical equipment room.

Do not place warning signs on the outside of utility or equipment room doors unless required by code (and then use the minimum size allowable). Ensure signage design is consistent throughout a facility and installation.

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Other Signs Traffic control signs must be consistent (in color, format, size, and placement) with the manual of Uniform Traffic Control devices and state laws.

Monument-type signs should be used only for Wing Headquarters, numbered Air Force Headquarter facilities, and Family Housing entries. Light monument signs for night visibility if required. Electronic marquee signs should be located at primary base entrances and base operations runway entrance only.

Strictly limit reserved parking signs to visitors, customers, handicapped, and key officials. Use metal (framed) signs approximately 4 inches high and mechanically fastened to the vertical curb face. Design and color should match the installation-wide system.

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Static Display

Missing Man Monument

Bus Shelter Example

3.1.8 Site Furniture

Along with landscape development, the appropriate selection of site furniture can give a project a finished appearance. Site furniture also serves to make outdoor spaces more inviting and encourages their regular use. Site furniture that is compatible with the architectural style of the facilities compliments the base and makes the outdoor spaces more usable and appear more organized. Poorly selected or poorly placed site furniture and signage can draw attention away from an otherwise well designed site and building.

The landscape architect should coordinate the selections with the architect and interior designer to ensure smooth transitions are made in the procession from within the building to the outdoors and vice versa. Effective transitions are achieved when building materials, colors, and design details from the building are incorporated into paving materials, signage and site furnishings. Items such as benches, trash receptacles, tables, etc. should be standardized. The uncontrolled placement of unrelated site items should not be permitted.

Site furniture consisting of bollards, landscape lighting, outdoor seating, trash receptacles, tree grates, and bicycle racks play an important function in unifying the features of a project. These features properly coordinated and integrated with architectural styles, colors, and materials provide the basis for a fully integrated design. Site furniture selections should be composed of unifying elements, which relate well with each other.

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Social Gathering Area

In cases where trees are proposed in outdoor paved areas, tree grates should be used to provide a maintenance free planting environment and protection of new trees. Selection of tree grate style, design, and color should be coordinated with other site furniture needs. Likewise, tree grates provide a continuum of the ground plane without an uneven surface hazard. Trees planted in these environments also have special subsurface anchoring requirements since they provide no above ground obstacles for site users.

• Seating should be oriented to user needs of waiting and resting.

• Locate tables together with seating that is oriented to the user needs of relaxing, or eating in less formal spaces with a pleasant setting and attractive view.

• Trash receptacles should be located along walkways, and at all building entrances, seating areas, and vending machines. Keep trash receptacles clear of circulation paths.

• The size of trash receptacles should be dependent upon the location and use of receptacle.

• Trash containers should be located in areas enclosed by walls or plant material that screen the receptacles.

• Utilize bollards to separate vehicular and pedestrian traffic, to direct access, or as decorative elements in pedestrian areas.

• Bicycle rack design should be same throughout the installation.

• Playgrounds should be consistent throughout the installation and meet specific criteria of materials, color and design.

• Movable planters shall be used in paved pedestrian areas to provide screening or aesthetic appeal.

• The sizes and design of these planters shall be standardized and meet ATFP requirements.

• A specific type of shelter should be defined to be utilized installation-wide for bus shelters.

• Picnic shelters should be strategically located and sized for shared use.

• Avoid rowlock detailing at brick wall caps to prevent efflorescence. Alternate detailing can be accomplished with wall caps which minimize the number of joints. These joints should be filled with sealant rather than grout.

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Site lighting detailing

Site lighting detailing

3.1.9 Site Lighting

Site lighting is an integral part of any construction project. It ensures that occupants have a means of safely moving within outdoor spaces.

• Building entrances should be accentuated with light allowing them to be readily identified at night.

• Security lighting should be mounted on buildings wherever possible to reduce the number of poles.

• Provide adequate site lighting at any point where there is a change in grade requiring steps, near handicapped and motorcycle parking areas, and near main entrances to buildings.

• Streetscape lighting should be standardized throughout the base to one or two types and styles. Consider both compatibility and durability.

• In general, use overhead lighting in lieu of low level lighting, as it more efficient and economical.

• Streetscape lighting should be mounted on individual poles, and not on the exterior of facilities.

• Sight hazards such as steps, ramps and steep embankments should be illuminated with a combination of low level and high level lighting.

• Trees and landscaping should be considered in lighting distribution, as they can negate lighting levels.

• Fixtures should provide an overlapping illumination pattern of approximately 2 meters.

• Set parking area lighting at a standard height of 9 to 15 meters above grade.

• Use the recommendations of the IES Lighting Handbook to establish illumination levels.

• High-pressure sodium lamps without color correction are the standard at Randolph AFB. Color corrected lighting shall only be used at entry control facilities, Taj illumination, and aircraft maintenance facilities.

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3.2 Anti-

Terrorism/Force Protection

Raised planter beds prevent vehicular access

Alternating barrier types can avoid monotonous streetscapes

3.2.1 Introduction

Anti-terrorism/force protection measures have an enormous impact on the visual aesthetics of the base. AT/FP measures should be integral to the design process so as not to appear as an afterthought. Barriers and bollards should be consistent with the architectural theme of the base and should be of like materials, finishes and detailing.

The image and quality of life at Randolph AFB has suffered in the absence of a well-coordinated and unified approach to the design of building perimeter security. Installation of repetitive elements such as highway barriers or bollards along streets will continue to degrade the aesthetic value of these spaces.

To restore the beauty and dignity of these spaces, building perimeter security should be integrated into an attractive system of streetscape and landscape designs.

When designing installation security measures, keep the following goals in mind:

• Provide security in the context of site beautification, rather than as a separate or redundant system of components whose only purpose is security.

• Expand on the palette of elements that can gracefully provide perimeter security in a manner that does not clutter the landscape, while avoiding the monotony of endless lines of jersey barriers or bollards, which only evoke defensiveness.

• Provide perimeter security in a manner that does not excessively restrict or impede operational use of sidewalks or pedestrian and vehicular mobility, nor impact the health of existing trees.

• Identify an implementation strategy that can be efficiently coordinated in the most cost effective manner.

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3.2.2 Building Security Zones

The issue of installation security may be looked at in terms of security zones. These security zones correspond to building and site relationships. Each of these zones, ranging from the building’s interior to the public streets around the building, have different security risks and responses. These can be translated into different architectural, landscape, and streetscape responses to meet those needs.

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Raised planters

Plinth wall

Zone 1: Building Interior Zone 1 deals strictly with building interiors and is beyond the scope of this document.

Zone 2: Building Perimeter A building’s perimeter is its last line of defense from exterior threats. The following are recommended guidelines for security measures to be implemented at the building’s perimeter:

• Ensure that the main entrance does not face an installation perimeter or other uncontrolled vantage point with direct lines of sight to the entrance.

• The use of sloped roofing systems is preferred.

• Consider the use of ductile materials which are capable of large deformations without complete failure.

• Avoid reentrant corners which magnify the effects of an explosive blast.

• Consider using small windows instead of large expanses of glass.

Zone 3: Building Yard The building yard is that portion of the site located between the building’s exterior envelope and the sidewalk or street.

The following are recommended guidelines for security measures to be implemented in the building yard zone:

• Security measures should relate primarily to the character of the building itself.

• Do not impede pedestrian access to building entries or pedestrian circulation on adjacent sidewalks.

• Use raised planters, plinth walls, or landscaped berms as vehicular barriers.

• Use bollards, light poles, planters, or other furnishings to create secure gaps and limit vehicular access through pedestrian access points.

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Zone 4: Sidewalk The sidewalk zone is located between the building yard and the curb or parking lane. The following are recommended guidelines for security measures to be implemented in this zone:

• Design security measures to relate primarily to the character of the visual district.

• Incorporate security design within the design of street lighting, planters, bollards, and landscaping.

• Do not impede pedestrian access to entries or pedestrian circulation on the sidewalks.

• Integrate design elements such as planters and bollards into the overall streetscape design.

Zone 5: Curb or Parking Lane The curb or parking lane is that portion of the street adjacent to the curb. The following are recommended guidelines for security measures to be implemented in the curb or parking lane security zone:

• Avoid on-street parking wherever possible.

• Curbside loading zones and service access should be located where such use can be controlled and monitored.

Zone 6: Street The thoughtful planning of vehicular circulation can reduce or eliminate the potential for automobiles to become a threat to buildings and pedestrians. A balance must be found between providing efficient vehicular circulation and providing a safe environment.

• Traffic calming devices can be used to slow the speed of vehicles near high risk facilities.

• Thoughtful street closures and traffic rerouting can produce pleasant pedestrian campuses.

• Avoid direct or straight-line access to high risk facilities.

• When planning new roads, route major corridors away from concentrations of high risk facilities.

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3.2.3 Building siting

Proper siting is the first step in creating safe and efficient facilities. A properly sited facility reduces its attractiveness as a viable target for malicious acts. When possible, take advantage of existing site features, such as trees or berms which may enhance security.

Standoff Distances The easiest and least costly opportunity for achieving the appropriate levels of protection against terrorist threats is to incorporate sufficient standoff distance into project designs.

While sufficient standoff distance is not always available, maximizing standoff distance always results in the most cost-effective solution. Maximizing standoff distance also ensures that there is opportunity in the future to upgrade buildings to meet increased threats or to accommodate higher levels of protection.

In general, the cost to provide force protection decreases as the distance between an asset and threat increases.

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Eliminate vantage points to increase security for building occupants.

High speed vehicle approaches Minimizing a vehicle's speed allows vehicle barriers to be lighter and less expensive should vehicle barriers ever become necessary. To facilitate reductions in vehicle speeds in the future, ensure there are no unobstructed vehicle approaches perpendicular to inhabited buildings at the required parking and roadway standoff distances.

Unobstructed space It is assumed that aggressors will not attempt to place explosive devices in areas near buildings where these explosive devices could be visually detected by building occupants observing the area around the building. Therefore, ensure that obstructions within 10 meters (33 feet) of inhabited buildings or portions thereof do not allow for concealment of explosive devices 6 inches or greater in height. This does not preclude the placement of site furnishings or plantings around buildings. It only requires conditions such that any explosive devices placed in that space would be observable by building occupants.

Vantage points Vantage points are natural or man-made positions from which potential aggressors can observe and target people or other assets in and around a building. Identify vantage points outside the control of personnel in the targeted building and either eliminate them or provide means to avoid exposure to them. Means to avoid exposure may include actions such as reorienting the building or shielding people or assets in and around the building using such measures as tinted glazing, walls, privacy fencing, or vegetation.

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Even well-designed barriers can be overwhelming if used repeatedly.

Retaining wall integrated with pedestrian circulation

Building Entrance Layout The areas outside of installations are commonly not under the direct control of the installations. Where the main entrances to buildings face installation perimeters, people entering and exiting the buildings are vulnerable to being fired upon from vantage points outside the installations.

For new inhabited buildings, ensure that the main entrance to the building does not face an installation perimeter or other uncontrolled vantage points with direct lines of sight to the entrance.

3.2.4 Vehicular Barriers

Vehicular barriers are commonly the most visible AT/FP elements. Although barriers must be functional to withstand the force of a moving vehicle, they may also be designed as elements which improve the overall streetscape. A one-size-fits-all approach should be avoided. Instead, a kit of parts should be developed to address the issue of AT/FP while avoiding monotony.

• Avoid the excessive use of temporary barriers (i.e.

concrete or water filled jersey barriers).

• Temporary barriers should be removed in a timely manner after permanent barriers have been put in place.

• Site furnishings such as benches, planters, and fountains may be hardened to act as vehicular barriers.

• Retaining walls can form effective barriers if properly engineered.

• Rows of trees may be used as part of a barrier system.

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3.2.5 Building Forms

Effective design of building layout and orientation can significantly reduce opportunities for terrorists to target building occupants or injure large numbers of people.

Even where the minimum standoff distances are achieved, many aspects of building layout and other architectural design issues may be incorporated to improve overall protection of personnel inside buildings.

• Utilize sloped roofing systems which will deflect objects thrown on them.

• Avoid reentrant corners which magnify the effects of an explosive blast.

• Avoid exposed structural elements on the exterior of a facility.

• Do not allow drive-up/drop-off areas to be located under any inhabited portion of a building.

• Parking beneath buildings or on rooftops shall not be allowed.

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3.3 Sustainable

3.3.1 Introduction

Building construction and operation has an enormous direct and indirect impact on the environment. As economies and population continue to expand, designers and builders face a unique challenge to meet demands for new and renovated facilities that are accessible, secure, healthy and productive while minimizing their impact on the environment.

The main objectives of sustainable design are to avoid resource depletion of energy, water, and raw materials;

prevent environmental degradation caused by facilities and infrastructure throughout their life cycle; and create built environments that are livable, comfortable, safe and productive.

3.3.2 Optimize Site Potential

Creating sustainable buildings starts with proper site selection. The location of a building affects a wide range of environmental factors - as well as other factors such as security and accessibility - like the energy consumed by occupants for commuting, the impact on local ecosystems, and the extent to which existing structures and infrastructures are utilized. If possible, locate buildings in areas of existing development and consider renovating existing buildings and historic properties.

Sustainable site planning should consist of a whole system approach that seeks to:

Minimize Development of Open Space

• Retrofit an existing building.

• Use disturbed land/brown fields.

Control Erosion Through Improved Landscaping Practices

• Use vegetation, anti-erosion grading and stabilization techniques to keep the soil in place.

• Infiltrate storm-water runoff on site, design for storm-water retention on site and use other retention methods.

• Use vegetated swales and depressions to reduce runoff.

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Reduce Heat Island Using Landscaping and Building Design Methods

• Landscape using, preferably, existing trees and other vegetation to shade walkways, parking lots, and other open areas. Ensure that site work and landscaping are integrated with security and safety design.

• Cover walkways, parking lots, and other open areas that are paved or made with impermeable materials. Ensure that shading devices do not block critical sightlines for security.

• Finish the facility's roof with light-colored materials to reduce energy loads and extend the life of the roof.

• Roofs visible from street level shall be in compliance with base color policy.

Minimize Habitat Disturbance

• Use environmentally responsible methods to keep local vegetation in place.

• Reduce building and paving footprints.

• Limit site disturbance to a minimal area around the building perimeter.

• Plan construction staging areas with the environment in mind.

Restore the Health of Degraded Sites

• Focus on restoration of degraded areas, increasing the existence of healthy habitat for native species.

• Conserve water use through xeriscaping with native plants.

Design for Sustainable Transportation

• Site the building with public transportation access in mind and limit on-site parking.

• Use porous alternatives to traditional paving for roads and walkways.

• Make provisions for bicycling, walking, carpool parking, and telecommuting; and provide refueling/recharging facilities for alternative fuel/electric vehicles.

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3.3.3 Minimize Energy Consumption

A building should rely on a mixture of conservation, passive design measures and fossil fuels for its operation. It should meet or exceed applicable energy performance standards.

During the facility design and development process, building projects must have a comprehensive, integrated perspective that seeks to:

Reduce Heating, Cooling and Lighting Loads Through Climate- Responsive Design and Conservation Practices

• Use passive solar design; orient, size and specify windows;

and locate landscape elements with solar geometry and building load…