Attachment_5_-_Architectural_Design_Compatibility_Guide.PDF

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 man-made surroundings and 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 achieve better utilization of space through design standardization

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

Districts

• To discuss recommended architectural themes for each

Visual District

• To define Visual District edges that require screening

• To identify all “Destination Buildings” on the base

Attachment 5 08 Jan 06

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 Signs

3.1.8 Site Furniture

3.1.9 Site Lighting

3.1.10 Visual Clutter

3.2 Force Protection

3.3 Sustainable Design

3.4 Building Design Standards

3.4.1 Introduction

3.4.2 Context

3.4.3 Building Siting

3.4.4 Building Form & Mass

3.4.5 Scale

3.4.6 Facades

3.4.7 Roofs & Related Elements

3.4.8 Materials

3.4.9 Texture

3.4.10 Color

3.5 Visual Districts

3.5.1 Introduction

3.5.2 Administrative District – District 1

3.5.3 Community District – District 2

3.5.4 Medical District – District 3

3.5.5 Dormitory District – District 4

3.5.6 Family Housing District – District 5

3.5.7 Industrial District – District 6

3.5.8 Flightline District – District 7

3.5.9 Training District – District 8

3.5.10 944th Reserve Fighter Wing – District 9

3.5.11 Recreation District – District 10

3.5.12 Mall District – District 11

4 PLANNING AND DESIGN RESOURCES

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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 Architectural Compatibility Plan strives to recognize the cultural, environmental, climatic and existing facility conditions particular to Luke 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.

• Control design expression. These controls 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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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

1.2 USE & IMPLEMENTATION

The Architectural Compatibility Guide 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 Architectural Compatibility Guide 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 Architectural Compatibility Guide 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.

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.

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2 Base Information

2.1 INSTALLATION PROFILE

2.1.1 LOCATION

Luke AFB is located in Glendale, Arizona, approximately 20 miles northwest of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The installation encompasses approximately 4,300 acres and is accessible from Interstate Highways 10 and 17, and State Routes 101 and 303. In addition to the main cantonment area, the base also monitors Gila Bend AFAF, the Barry M.

Goldwater Range, Auxiliary Field 1, and Fort Tuthill.

2.1.2 MISSION SUMMARY

Luke AFB is the largest fighter pilot training installation in the world and referred to throughout the Air Force community as the “Home of the Fighter Pilot.” Under AETC’s 19th Air Force, the 56th Fighter Wing serves as the host unit to the base.

2.1.3 HISTORY OF BASE

In 1940, a United States Army representative was sent to Arizona to find a site for an Army Air Corps training field for advanced training in conventional fighter aircraft. The City of Phoenix and the federal government entered into an agreement in March 1941 to lease 1,440 acres of land for $1 per year. The training center was named Luke Field. The first class of fighter aircraft training students arrived in June 1941.

During World War II, Luke Field was the largest fighter training base in the Army Air Corps, graduating more than 17,000 fighter pilots and earning the nickname “Home of the Fighter Pilot.” The base was deactivated in 1946. In 1951, soon after combat developed in Korea, Luke Field was reactivated as Luke Air Force Base, part of Air Training Command under the reorganized United States Air Force (USAF).

Students progressed from flying the P-51 Mustang to the F- 84 Thunderstreak jet. The Thunderbirds, the official Air Force aerial demonstration team, was formed at Luke Air Force Base in 1953. Luke Air Force Base began training German fighter pilots in the F-84 in 1957. In July 1958, the Base was transferred from Air Training Command to Tactical Air Command. In 1969, the 58th Fighter Wing (FW) was activated at Luke Air Force Base. In 1971, tactical air training resumed with pilots using the F-4C

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Phantom II, F-100, A-7, F-4, and F-104. In 1974, the F-15 Eagle arrived to serve as the training vehicle. By 1982, the F-16 Fighting Falcon was being flown at Luke Air Force Base. In 1994, the 58th FW was replaced with the 56th FW as part of the Air Force Heritage Program. The 56th FW is one of the most highly decorated units in USAF history.

The wing also provides command guidance and operational control of the 56th Operations Group, 56th Logistics Group, 56th Support Group, and the 56th Medical Group. Luke AFB also serves as host to the 944th FW, a USAF reserve unit with the mission to train F-16 pilots and provide combat ready warriors.

Today, Luke Air Force Base is the most diversified training center in Air Education and Training Command. Luke Air Force Base provides technical, medical, field, and flight training utilizing over 200 F-16 aircraft. Annual sorties flown reach approximately 40,000.

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Figure 2.1 - 56th Wing HQ

Figure 2.2 - 56th Operations Group

2.2 LOCAL CHARACTERISTICS

2.2.1 CLIMATE & WEATHER

Luke AFB is located in the center of the Sonoran Desert.

The climate of the Sonoran Desert is sub-tropical with two rainy seasons. The winter rains occur from November through March and replenish much needed groundwater.

The rain from these storms is spread out over a long period of time and is gentle in nature. The summer rainy season lasts from late June through September, producing quick and often violent thunderstorms. This time of year is frequently referred to as the “monsoon season.” Annual precipitation at Luke AFB is approximately eight inches.

Average summer high temperatures are 105 degrees with lows in the 70’s. Average winter highs are in the mid 60’s in January with lows in the low 30’s.

2.2.2 PREVAILING ARCHITECTURAL

CHARACTER

The architecture of Luke AFB has been developed over many years with little guidance in terms of architectural compatibility. Past mission requirements has left the Base with a mixture of temporary, semi-permanent, and permanent facilities. Base structures of the post World War II era sit side-by-side more recently constructed buildings of varied architectural styles. The most prevailing character can be found in the brown masonry exteriors and bronze standing seam roofs found on the 56th Wing Headquarter and the 56th Operations Group building.

Arizona is rich in design heritage. Area influences include Native American and Spanish Colonial references. While the city of Phoenix is represented by a myriad of architectural styles, many small structures and residential neighborhoods employ stucco, adobe, or masonry exteriors.

Roofs are typically clay tile or metal in design. New development at Luke reflects the desire to incorporate regional influences on the base, while remaining sensitive to the prevailing character already established on base.

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2.2.3 TOPOGRAPHY

While Luke AFB is generally flat, there is a gentle down sloping from the north to south. Elevations of the Base range from 1,105 to 1,075 feet above mean sea level. There are two naturally occurring hills between Litchfield Road and the munitions storage area near the southeastern boundary of Luke AFB. The southern most hill is known as Sunset Point and rises to an elevation of 1,125 feet above mean sea level. The other hill is unnamed and rises to an elevation of 1,100 feet above mean sea level.

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3 Architectural Design Guidelines

Figure 3.1 – South Gate Entry

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, views, and water features 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 native to Arizona such as Mesquite trees and creosote bushes.

These plantings can also serve to limit sight lines into the facility, thus improving security.

3.1.3 CIRCULATION

While we consider the quality of a base’s facilities of utmost importance, circulation serves as a framework that can either complement or detract from that experience.

STREETS

Beyond providing a basic mode of circulation for vehicles, streets are an underlying indirect basis of our perception of quality. Base aesthetics are impacted by many of the elements that make up the vehicular circulation system.

These indirect impacts may include pavement surfaces, traffic-related street equipment, street furniture, the actual roadway shapes and the focuses or views that street systems create.

Street Patterns Where an expanded roadway system is under consideration, the street pattern should attempt to respond to site conditions and create focal interest. Street alignments that draw one’s eye to significant elements of the base help provide orientation and contextual hints as to one’s location within the base. Where medians are used, these should be appropriately landscaped.

A properly laid out street system should support uncomplicated movement throughout the base. It can suggest the location of important buildings, entry gates, structures, monuments, etc. Landscape materials used along the street systems can also aid in advising drivers when making logical progressions from one use area to another.

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Figure 3.2 – Typical pedestrian walk.

The main entrance to an installation should represent one of the most carefully crafted components of the base.

Accommodating all anticipated traffic including delivery vehicles and pedestrians should be considered in terms of flow and staging. Thematic materials and architectural style can be established by the guardhouse, entry monument, fencing, and other entrance amenities. The newly constructed entry gates at Luke AFB are an excellent example of how to achieve most of these options.

Pavers/Other Materials Non-traditional paving materials, such as pavers, may be used at key intersections or adjacent to significant base facilities. These can help notify drivers or pedestrians of an area or location of significance. Use of such materials should be limited to locations of high importance (major intersections, Wing Command Headquarters, Air Park).

Material selection should be consistent and limited to one material type and no more than two colors. The selected material must be installed in such a manner that it is able to withstand virtual neglect and constant vehicular abuse.

Possible locations where this type of application can be used include the intersection of Fighter Country and Super Sabre and the intersection of Jerstad and Lighting.

WALKS

Walkways define the pedestrian experience on a base.

They are an indicator of quality in the installation Infrastructure. While they are similar to streets in that way, placement and scale are very different and must be addressed in a manner that recognizes the pedestrian perspective.

Sidewalks Consideration should be given to the pattern of pedestrian traffic between buildings when planning sidewalk routes.

Sidewalks should be sufficiently ample to comfortably allow two pedestrians to cross paths. Generally, a 6 to 8 foot wide sidewalk is preferred, but it should never be less than 5 feet wide along secondary streets. Primary sidewalks should be lighted for nighttime safety.

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Figure 3.3 – Avoid walkways adjacent to streets.

Figure 3.4 – Landscape provides buffers between walks and streets.

Placement of sidewalks immediately adjacent to street curbs is discouraged. Instead, a “green zone” between the street and the sidewalk is encouraged where possible. Sidewalks need not be parallel to adjacent streets. Curvilinear sidewalk patterns create visual interest and provide landscape pocket planting opportunities that enhance the pedestrian experience.

Sidewalks should be located on both sides of a street, especially along main thoroughfares, to afford pedestrians the maximum circulation options and to minimize the need to cross a street to access a sidewalk. The number of curb cuts that occur where sidewalks are located should be kept to a minimum. Sidewalk materials at major vehicular crossings should signal to drivers that a pedestrian zone is being crossed, and brick or concrete pavers, as previously suggested, are a good option.

Sidewalks should be a part of all new construction projects.

Sidewalk configurations should preserve any significant existing landscape. Sidewalks leading to a building should increase in width as they approach a main entrance. Borders of brick or concrete pavers are appropriate at major building entrances.

Consideration should be given to economical alternatives to gray concrete walks. Among the options are concrete with a small amount of pigment added, washing the cement matrix away to expose some aggregate and light sandblasting in simple patterns, using a sheet metal template.

Bicycle paths Bicycle transportation is an efficient alternative to traditional vehicular travel and should be given consideration as an integral part of the base circulation system. Bicycle paths can serve as a convenient and safe alternative mode of travel between base facilities that also promote exercise.

Ideally, bike routes should be separate from both roadways and pedestrian walks. However, it is possible to integrate bike paths along the shoulder of roadways where site constraints are a factor. Pathways should be allowed for two-way bicycle traffic to be easily accommodated. Where sidewalks double as bicycle paths, they should be made sufficiently wide to allow comfortable use for both activities and have a designated side for each.

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Figure 3.5 – Dead-end parking may only be used to serve 20 or fewer parking spaces.

Figure 3.6 – Parking lots with more than 20 spaces require separate ingress/egress drives.

When expanding existing facilities, planners should consider building sections of what can become a complete loop of the entire campus.

PARKING

Access to Parking Curb cuts leading into parking areas should use concrete approach aprons to minimize the maintenance associated with vehicular turns on asphalt. Landscape clusters flanking these entrances are encouraged and should be installed at the appropriate setbacks to allow for adequate driver lines of sight upon exit. The height of mature plant materials should be considered. Landscape clusters help to signal the entrance of parking areas and “soften” the increased pavement area associated with curb cuts. It is imperative to avoid creating any line-of-sight obstructions for drivers either entering or exiting a parking area. A triangular setback of a minimum of 50 feet from the curb must be kept clear of obstacles that can prohibit obstructing a driver’s line of site in either direction of an intersection.

Accessing parking areas from main thoroughfares, especially off of the entry roadway, is discouraged. To the extent possible, parking areas should be accessed from secondary roadways in order to minimize the impact on vehicular flow on main thoroughfares where speeds are higher.

Parking Locations The preferred locations for vehicular parking are across the street from a main building entrance or at the side or rear of the building. Buildings should never be viewed from the street across a parking lot. Where parking in front of a building is required it should be limited to visitor spaces, located so as to not block the view of the building entrance.

Vehicular drives within these parking areas should be oriented so that they are perpendicular to a building’s façade.

Designated handicap parking stalls should be located as close to the accessible entry as possible.

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Screening/Planting Where dedicated parking across a street from a facility is possible, special care should be taken to set back the parking lot sufficiently to allow for ample landscape planting opportunities between the lot and the street. The intent of this standoff distance zone is both for security and to screen or mask the parking lot from the street and to improve the pedestrian and vehicular views from the street or sidewalks.

This zone can be used to place sidewalks. A minimum of 20’ from the edge of the street curb to the edge of the parking lot curb should be set aside for this zone. Low berms with low level plantings and limbed-up trees will completely screen the view of parked cars.

Parking lot medians should be planted with trees, located strategically so that they do not come into contact with overhanging truck bumpers. A goal of shading 20 percent of the parking area with trees at the lot perimeter or medians is not unreasonable.

Pedestrian Considerations Pedestrian walks that lead toward a building entrance should be located within the medians in large parking areas.

Texture or material changes should be considered for delineating paths where pedestrians must cross traffic lanes as they traverse the parking lot. Appropriate ramps at curb approaches to accommodate ADA requirements are imperative.

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Figure 3.7 – Plaza rest area.

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.

Heritage Plazas & Ceremonial Spaces When planning future improvements to this important base element, key vistas, axial and spatial relationships and circulation should all be considered. Through art and the landscape, the plaza seeks to convey a sense of the base history and distinguished military accomplishments.

Smaller monuments, landmarks and artworks should be sited and scaled so that they are highly visible yet subordinate to the overall plan and concept of the Plaza.

Luke AFB has achieved a good balance between the design of the overall ceremonial space and smaller commemorative monuments.

Where seating is to be integrated into the plaza design, orientation is central. It should not only draw the eye towards desired dominant views, but should also consider the most advantageous layout in regard to thermal comfort in both warm and cold conditions. Heritage Plazas should highlight favorable views while screening those that are undesirable.

Berms can be used to define open spaces and emphasize desired views. They can serve to buffer the central ceremonial area in the winter while directing prevailing winds into the space in the summer. Berms can also help mitigate traffic noise that could be disruptive during ceremonial events.

Recreation Spaces Outdoor recreation offering enhance quality of life by promoting healthful activities. Open recreational areas must be well conceived and maintained to be successful. Spaces such as parks, playgrounds, baseball fields or other sports fields, gardens, etc. all can serve as recreation sources.

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Figure 3.8 – Courtyard area.

These are best located where they are convenient to all base residents and this suggests a somewhat central location.

Space in this area should be set aside for future growth of recreational facilities.

Spaces between Buildings Large turf areas near dormitories are encouraged to promote informal recreational activities.

Plazas/Courtyards/Patios Plazas and courtyards should be an integral component of the overall base planning effort. When grouping buildings, the spaces between buildings should be as carefully designed as the buildings. Plazas and courtyards should be designed to encourage group gatherings. Since Luke AFB is located in Arizona, they will serve this purpose most months of the year.

The courtyard between lodging buildings 687 and 688 is a good example of courtyard design, albeit without major trees for shade.

The design of these plazas or courtyards should be relatively simple and flexible enough to accommodate a variety of events. Ideally, they can be terminus points for pedestrian walks or other approaches.

Landscape materials used in these spaces should be carefully selected. Trees of sufficient height and width at maturity should be used to ensure that proper shading of seating areas will be afforded during warmer weather.

Deciduous trees are recommended over evergreens since they allow sunlight and warmth to penetrate the area in the winter months.

Paving material selections should complement the surrounding facilities and take into consideration all drainage requirements implied. Paving patterns or borders in these areas are appropriate, but should be kept relatively simple in design. Divider strips of either brick or concrete texture paving are encouraged, as they add interest at relatively little additional cost.

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Figure 3.9 – Functional uses of landscaping

3.1.5 PLANTING/LANDSCAPE

Landscape can be used to direct circulation, provide shade, screen or mask undesirable views, mitigate noise and wind, control erosion, contribute to energy conservation through shading and cooling, establish hierarchical order, emphasize or deemphasize building architecture, define space, improve air and water quality, and serve as part of ATFP design.

A landscape theme that takes into account Arizona climatologic patterns, native plant materials, topographic characteristics and the base general plan will set a baseline for future landscape installations. The success of Luke AFB’s formal and informal mesquite tree clusters base-wide is a very strong landscape concept, providing visual screening between building groupings, and should be expanded.

Limiting landscape specimen installations to those listed on the approved plant list for the Arizona region is important as it increases the chances for long-term survival of installed materials. The need for supplemental watering and maintenance is greatly reduced. At the design stage, an expectation for a plant specimen’s anticipated timeframe for achieving maturity needs to be realistic so that natural growth patterns are in sync with desired goals.

FUNCTIONAL USES

Screening Landscape materials are an effective method of screening undesirable views of things like storage yards, utility lines or sub-stations, mechanical equipment, electrical transformers, dumpsters, docks and others, when an architectural screening device is unwarranted. When selecting a plant to perform as a screening, be careful to select species that will remain dense close to the ground.

Planting beds of shrubs and flowering plants should be minimized, used only at the main gate, in the Air Park and adjacent to principal building entrances. Elsewhere, the emphasis should be on trees, not shrubs.

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Masking Landscape used to mask views is different from full screening in that the intent is to soften rather than to completely block a view. Applications for masking could be to break up long expanses of fencing or along force protection cable barriers. The intent is to soften the hard lines and to improve visual appeal.

Noise Control Strategic planting of landscape materials can be a good approach for controlling noise and are especially effective when paired with masonry fences or berms. This application can be particularly useful where buildings or other public spaces are located adjacent to a busy roadway.

The most effective installations for noise control will include plant materials with very dense foliage, planted to create a continuous screen and be of sufficient height to moderate noise at a maximum vertical elevation. It is important to note that plant materials of all heights have the ability to absorb reflected sound. Evergreen plants are preferred when installed for this purpose since their foliage is beneficial for mitigating noise throughout the year.

Shade Providing shade is one of the many benefits of landscape plantings. During the summer, they help to reduce the ambient temperature by a substantial amount to provide comfort and encourage use of outdoor spaces. In the winter, deciduous trees allow light and warmth to penetrate their canopy. At Luke AFB the use of mesquite trees, helps to provide both summer and winter shade as they do not tend to loose their leaves due to the relatively constant temperatures throughout the year.

Approximately 75 percent of all heat gain in a building does so through windows. The proper use of shrubs and deciduous shade trees can dramatically reduce the cost of cooling in the summer and heating in the winter by strategically placing them to shield windows. Tree planting also reduces the amount of turf area which requires significantly more water to maintain.

Shade from trees also improves the ambience of patios and courtyards by extending their usability into summer. They also help to lessen the heat island effect of roadways or parking lots when placed in landscape medians.

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When planting shade trees on circulation corridors, adequate clearance between the tree and other structures as well as beneath the tree where traffic occurs is critical. The specific growth patterns of a selected species needs to be thoroughly understood in order to avoid future problems.

Definition of Functional Areas The massing of landscape beds and the logical sequencing of landscape patterns can frame views, buffer pedestrians from vehicular traffic and provide separation of distinct activities.

If the intent is to create an atmosphere of order, regular spacing of trees and shrubs is most appropriate. Formal repetition and contrast to reinforce edges and borders represents the most appropriate application for a sense of coherency. When a formal setting is desired, trees with bright trunk patterns are most appropriate. Their vertical canopy clearance should be a minimum of seven feet to allow views to occur underneath.

Irregular spacing of landscape materials must be carefully implemented so that there is a sense of overall composition and balance in the final configuration. Informal settings are most appropriate in areas where a diversity of unplanned activities may occur.

Glare Trees, shrubs and other vegetation can effectively reduce glare and reflection when placed between the light source and the observer. This is especially true where reflections from paved areas are being bounced into windows or where sunlight is directly penetrating a window.

Pollution Control The most significant way for landscape to control water pollution is to control erosion. Landscaping can play a very important part in this goal by holding soil in place and thus reducing the amount of “runoff” during rain events that would otherwise find its way to fresh water sources. We know that whether runoff events are rapid and dramatic or slow and imperceptible, the materials that storm water comes into contact with are potential sources of pollution.

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In areas that are mowed, leaving the clippings on the lawn is encouraged. These add nutrients to the soil that in turn reduce the need for fertilization. Clippings also add organic matter to the soil which reduces the amount of runoff.

Where installing plant materials to control erosion is difficult if not impossible, the use of rip-rap should be considered.

Landscape & Architecture Landscape materials can be used to emphasize a building’s entry or to mask or screen building walls that lack detail or otherwise detract from the entry. Formal planting patterns add to the drama created when approaching an important installation facility or important base landmark. This is particularly effective when the landscape helps to frame the entrance of prominent facilities. The use of shade trees along walks and drives, paired with low level ground covers, help to create a pleasant micro climate and help to lower the thermal load on adjacent facilities.

In addition to emphasizing the entry, installing plant materials along the horizontal foundation plane of a facility adds to the visual interest of the building by softening hard edges and adding depth to the building façade.

WALLS

Retaining Walls The primary function of retaining walls is to stabilize soil where elevation changes are severe and where controlling erosion is necessary. They are of most benefit where extensive grading of soil is not possible due to limited area requirements or where excessive grading would be detrimental to the surrounding landscape or roadway system.

Where these conditions exist, retaining walls are recommended over extensive grading.

A maximum vertical height of 3 feet for individual retaining walls is preferred over taller solutions if the specific condition allows. Terracing of battered retaining walls not only creates visual interest and potential seating areas, it also enhances soil stability and keeps individual retaining walls at a manageable scale to facilitate landscape maintenance. Furthermore, they can also be used effectively as a component of force protection.

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Figure 3.10 – Typical dumpster enclosure and electrical transformers.

Figure 3.11 –Mechanical blind.

Using the appropriate masonry material is important. At Luke AFB, a concrete masonry unit with a textured face of a color that complements the vernacular brown masonry would be appropriate.

The use of landscape materials in and around retaining wall systems is encouraged to soften a wall’s rigid appearance and to ensure that the installation fits naturally within the character of its surroundings. Landscape selections should be made from an approved landscape materials list for the Arizona area. Modified drainage patterns created when using retaining walls should be a primary consideration during the planning stage.

Landscape Walls Landscape walls are freestanding walls used to screen or mask undesirable views or to define space. Landscape walls can help signify an entry or enclose a patio area. They can be combined with landscaping and lighting to improve the visual quality of outdoor spaces and make them more desirable to use. Landscape walls should be clad in materials that match or are compatible with adjacent buildings. Brick is not recommended for wall cap materials, as brick caps tend to foster efflorescence in the wall below.

Natural or cast stone caps and metal caps are preferred.

Equipment Screens Dumpsters and major pieces of mechanical equipment should be completely screened from view. The base preference for three-sided CMU enclosures with gates of tubular steel represents a major commitment to the elimination of visual clutter. Wall caps should not be of masonry, and sheet steel should be considered as a backing to the steel gate frames to provide total visual screening.

Luke AFB maintains good use of equipment screens that reflect the adjacent vernacular.

Size dumpster enclosures to accommodate the largest dumpster in use or contemplated for use.

Mechanical equipment screens are best designed as somewhat taller than the tallest piece of equipment to be screened. Mechanical equipment has a finite lifespan and there is every likelihood that the replacement piece will be taller than the original.

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Figure 3.12 –Typical perimeter fence.

Equipment like electrical transformers are typically ground-mounted. These simple volumetric forms are best left unscreened, painted the installation standard brown to make them recede into the background.

Fences Chain link fences are strongly discouraged and wood or metal slats in chain link fencing is not allowed. Where they are essential for security, vinyl clad chain link material and posts should be used, black in color. This should be supplemented with landscape screening wherever possible.

The preferred design for security fencing is steel or aluminum picket fencing, six feet or taller as required for security, with masonry piers at 12 to 16 feet on center. The brick piers should be a minimum of 16 inches square and have cast stone caps.

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Figure 3.13 – Operations Group area landscaping.

Figure 3.14 –Dormitory area landscaping.

3.1.6 XERISCAPING

The word “xeriscape” is derived from the Greek word “xeros”, meaning dry. Xeriscape philosophy embodies landscape principles that apply to any region or climate and challenges landscape designers and those responsible for maintenance to create landscapes that achieve a sense of region in the selection and placement of plant materials while minimizing the use of water.

For Air Force installations, adherence to the principles of xeriscaping reduces water consumption and lowers maintenance costs. Water use for a traditional landscape can be as much as 40 percent of total water use and, though irrigation cannot be eliminated, it can be greatly reduced with the appropriate design techniques and maintenance practices. An attractive appearance need not be sacrificed, as a properly designed xeriscape can incorporate abundant planting and take on, if desired, even a lush appearance.

Water Budgeting In landscape design, water use zones can be created by concentrating plants with similar water-use requirements.

This simplifies both irrigation design and maintenance.

There are three typical zones.

Inner Zone This zone is the smallest, concentrated in areas that are highly visible, like principal building entrances, heritage parks, main gates and functional outdoor spaces like courtyards and patios. The densest planting is reserved for this zone.

Intermediate Zone This transitional zone includes other areas immediately adjacent to buildings such as park areas, medians in divided streets, parking lots and strips bordering major streets. In Arizona there does exist a small variety of plant materials that are available for use in this zone that will require no supplemental water. An option to provide supplemental water to these areas is by diverting some of the runoff from paved areas, or from around buildings through the use of roof drains.

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Outer Zone The outer zone is generally characterized by plants having the least water requirements and lowest intensity of human use. Once established, plants in the outer zone generally require very little to no irrigation or maintenance with the exception of weed control and occasional pruning. Plant materials should be chosen especially for their hardiness and extremely low water requirements. Luke AFB does an excellent job in this area with the use of cacti and other low maintenance brush.

Turf Areas Turf has the highest water and maintenance requirements of all plantings. The size and location of turf areas should be carefully considered in the inner and intermediate zones, especially in Arizona as droughts are not an uncommon occurrence. At the inner zone, there will reasonably be some turf areas that suggest a green appearance throughout the growing season, regardless of rainfall, requiring irrigation. These should be minimized, In the intermediate zone, efforts should be considered to divert some runoff to turf areas to keep them green.

Soil Improvement Most native and adapted plants in any region do well without soil improvements, but the addition of organic matter to any soil has distinct benefits. Plants will grow better and use water more effectively if organic matter is added. Further, rainfall will be more readily absorbed by the soil, reducing runoff, erosion and the frequency of supplemental irrigation. Organic matter should be added to the soil in all new plantings in the inner zone and, as feasible, in the intermediate zone as well.

Irrigation Different soils absorb water at different rates. Slow irrigation allows proper soil moisture to be maintained in the root zone, providing the best growing conditions, while deep watering promotes deeper roots, reducing irrigation requirements. Using irrigation control timers and rain sensors should also be considered as they will help to prevent unnecessary watering as the seasons and weather change.

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Rainwater Harvesting For new construction projects, rainwater collection tanks should be considered. While the initial cost is significant, the long-term benefits are very substantial. The benefits of brief and intense rain can be extended by designing the grading around buildings to direct some runoff from roofs and paved areas onto landscaped areas, encouraging limited ponding in planting beds and turf areas for subsequent absorption.

Plant Selection The Phoenix area has a variety of native trees, shrubs and groundcovers that have demonstrated their hardiness and ability to thrive without supplemental water. These have been used to good advantage by the base and their continued use should be encouraged. The native plant list should be supplemented with plant materials that have proven themselves adaptable to the Arizona climate.

Mulches Organic mulches reduce both water needs and weed growth.

However, located in the Sonoran Desert Luke AFB does not require the need for organic mulches. Instead the use of inorganic mulches like gravel or crushed rock is more appropriate to this area.

Maintenance Established xeriscape planting requires less fertilizer and insecticides than a landscape with non-native or adapted materials. The use of systemic contact herbicides on Bermuda grass around planting beds, along with regular applications of pre-emergent herbicides will greatly reduce maintenance labor requirements in the long run.

Mowers should be set higher, particularly in very hot and dry periods. Irrigation sprinkler heads should be regularly inspected and mulch around trees and in planting beds should be replenished on a regular schedule.

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Figure 3.15 – Entry sign example.

Figure 3.16 – Monument sign example.

Figure 3.17 – Building identification lettering.

Figure 3.18 – Special use marquee sign.

3.1.7 EXTERIOR SIGNAGE

Effective and visually-appealing signs are an important aspect of installation excellence, identifying location and function and providing directions to important facilities.

The number of signs at any installation should be held to the minimum required to get people where they need or want to go.

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 Chapters 4 and 10.

• Main gate signs shall conform with Section 4B, pages

66 thru 75. Color for main gate signs shall be brown.

• Signs placed in and around the airfield environment, must comply with the requirements of UFC 3-535-01 and 02.

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

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

Base entry signs shall contain only the following information:

• Air Force Symbol

• The words “U.S. AIR FORCE”

• The installation name

Marquee Signs Electronic marquee-type signs, with dynamic messaging, should be minimal located only at the principal base locations and areas of special interests. Marquee signs at Luke AFB should utilize either a painted stucco finish or CMU to match installation standards.

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Figure 3.19 –Directional signage.

Figure 3.20 –Street signage.

Building and Area Identification Building numbers are prominently displayed in an appropriate size at Luke AFB. Air Force guidance requires street addresses as well and these are typically not provided.

Where buildings are identified by function, raised 3-dimensional letters shall be integrally colored plastic in shades of dark brown and mounted directly on the facility.

Font size should be appropriate for readability, not to impart a monumental appearance.

Directional Signs Install directional signs only at locations where decisions as to how to proceed must be made, e.g. street intersections and driveway entrances. Directional signs should not be mounted on the same pole or sign base as traffic control or other regulatory signs.

Traffic Control Signs Use typical warning colors (red and yellow) as the accent, not as the sign ground color. Install traffic control signs on their own mountings, coordinated in placement with directional signs so that neither type obscures the other.

Street signs Street signs at Luke AFB shall consist of a brown background with white street names along with the AETC logo.

Monument-Type Signs This type sign is limited to use at important buildings like the Wing Command headquarters and base entries. The use of this type of sign at Luke AFB is consistent with Air Force guidance.

FPCON Signs The size, format and display of FPCON signs is set forth in the AETC Policy Memorandum on Signs, dated 11 January 2005, and these should be standardized at all Luke AFB buildings.

Airfield Signs Airfield signage is to comply with the requirements of AFI 32-1044, Visual Air Navigation Systems.

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Figure 3.21 – Lodging seating area.

Figure 3.22 – Dormitory seating

Figure 3.23 – Trash receptacle

Figure 3.24 – Bike rack example.

3.1.8 SITE FURNITURE

In a climate like Phoenix, Arizona outdoor areas are inviting a large portion of the year and a number of buildings have been designed with well-developed outdoor spaces. Site furniture encourages greater use of any outdoor space.

Seating and Tables There are several very good examples of well-designed benches and seating areas at Luke AFB, particularly in the lodging and dormitory areas. Other areas exist throughout the base, which encourage social activity. These range in color and materials to mesh with the surrounding buildings.

They are well-designed for durability and appearance.

Some benches appear to be placed more for formal symmetry and appearance than for encouraging interchange, and consideration should be given in the future to slightly less formal arrangements.

At the flightline area there are several examples of simple wood-and-steel picnic tables with attached benches, located under simple shade pavilions that serve well as break areas.

Trash Receptacles A variety of trash receptacles are present on the base and an effort to standardize them for future projects is encouraged.

Most appear to be more permanent to fit in better with the surrounding environment versus the use of lightweight plastic receptacles. It is recommended that trash receptacles be anchored into place unless they are of significant in size and weight providing less a chance of vandalism.

Bicycle Racks The student dormitories have some bicycle racks, but these are of a very old design. The installation of racks, compatible in appearance and construction with the fixed benches cited above, is encouraged in areas where students congregate. Better-designed and more plentiful bicycle racks will encourage more use of bicycles.

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Figure 3.25 – Site furniture example

Shade Devices Lightweight fabric shade structures have a proven value in areas with long, hot summers such as in Arizona. There are a few examples at Luke AFB that utilize these structures, such as at the Child Development Center and around the Oasis Pool. The tensile structure provides for a more dynamic form that is architecturally compatible to the base.

Fabric shade screening base-wide should conform to the range of the base standard colors of brown and beige.

Loose Planters Large, heavy planters can serve a minor function as force protection. Otherwise, their use is best limited to accenting major building entrances or as landscape elements in somewhat enclosed outdoor spaces. Plastic and pre-cast concrete are both durable materials for these and the color range should be limited to brown and beige.

Butt Cans The standard vase-shaped butt cans will blend into their surroundings somewhat better if they are painted brown to match other service elements elsewhere on base.

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Figure 3.26 – Solar-powered unit along jogging trail and roadway.

Figure 3.27 – Parking lot lighting

Figure 3.28 – Typical street pole and fixture.

3.1.9 SITE LIGHTING

Exterior Light Levels For parking areas, an average foot-candle level between x and x is optimum. Overlapping of light scallops is recommended to avoid dark areas. Roadway lighting levels should also be within the x to x foot-candle range. Higher lighting levels around the main gate and guardhouse entrances are required for security.

Light Quality Standardization of lamp light color is recommended. Metal halide lamps that provide cool white light are preferred over high pressure sodium. Metal halide lamps provide better and more accurate color rendition on lighted surfaces.

Further, people perceive areas lighted with metal halide to be lighter than those with sodium, even though the foot-candle level is the same.