Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan Design Guidelines (Appendix A) Prepared by: October 2011 Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines Foreword The Virginia Beach and Owls Creek Area is a noteworthy community with a diverse population demographic, economic vitality with a relaxed beachfront design aesthetic. It offers opportunities for new development, as well as, opportunities for redevelopment of existing environments. This document is intended to be a framework for consistent design and decision-making. It will help guide growth and development in Virginia Beach in a positive and cohesive direction. Our goal is to provide direction so that the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area can grow in an environmentally, economically, and socially sustainable manner. We hope to assist this portion of the City of Virginia Beach to establish itself as a unique community and as a source of inspiration and pride for all of its residents and many annual tourists. i Foreword Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines Table of Contents 1. Introduction ..................................................................................................... 1 1.1 History and Context ...................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Statement of Intent ........................................................................................................ 2 1.3 Guidelines Summary and Overview .............................................................................. 3 2. General Design Guidelines ............................................................................ 5 2.1 Site Design .................................................................................................................... 5 2.1.1 Site Analysis and Existing Conditions ........................................................... 5 2.1.2 Design Objectives .......................................................................................... 6 2.1.3 Contextual Relationships ............................................................................... 6 2.2 Zoning Districts .............................................................................................................. 7 2.3 Development Code Enforcement .................................................................................. 9 2.4 Virginia Building Code ................................................................................................... 9 2.5 ADA Standards for Accessible Design .......................................................................... 9 2.6 LEED Design Standards ................................................................................................ 9 2.7 Sustainable Sites Design Standards ........................................................................... 10 2.8 CPTED Design Standards ........................................................................................... 10 2.9 JLUS/AICUZ Design Standards .................................................................................. 10 3. Master Plan Guidelines ............................................................................... 13 3.1 Multimodal Transportation ........................................................................................... 13 3.2 Components of Place .................................................................................................. 14 3.3 General Open Space ................................................................................................... 15 3.4 Types of Opens Space ................................................................................................ 17 3.5 Signage Guidelines ..................................................................................................... 24 3.6 Landscaping Guidelines .............................................................................................. 24 3.7 Building Design Guidelines.......................................................................................... 30 Glossary ............................................................................................................ 37 Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 37 ii Table of Contents Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines Disclaimer: By using this document, the recipient assumes all risks associated with their use and, to the fullest extent permitted by law, to hold harmless and indemnify the City of Virginia Beach and the City of Virginia Beach’s professional associates and consultants from and against all claims, liabilities, losses, and expenses including attorney fees, arising out of or resulting therefrom. Any copy of this document or portion thereof must include this copyright notice. Prior notice and purchase of photography used within this document must be completed before the document can be reproduced for any other purpose. ii i Table of Contents Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines 1. Introduction 1.1 History and Context The Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area is located within the City of Virginia Beach, Virginia, which has an estimated population of 437,994 people as of 2010. The city has a long and rich history with Rudee Inlet dating back to as far as 1585. The area was originally called Princess Anne with Seatack being the first established neighborhood. The name Seatack first came about in 1813 after the war of 1812 in reference to the region being the location of a ‘sea attack’ from the British Fleet. Tourism currently plays a large role in Virginia Beach’s economy with its miles of beautiful shoreline. The first hotel was built in 1888 after the completion of a railroad line from nearby Norfolk. At the turn of the Century a construction boom in hotels and cottages occurred due to the influx of visitors. Surfing also has a long history in Virginia Beach with the East Coast Surfing Championships being held there since 1963. Today the city has a diverse mix of influences, population and culture. Location of Virginia Beach within Virginia 1 Introduction Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Area boundaries The Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area is a well connected and accessible community, taking advantage of its central location within the City of Virginia Beach while being within walking distance to beautiful beaches. The area is easily accessible due to its close proximity to major vehicular routes such as South Birdneck Rd., Norfolk Ave., and General Booth Blvd. The City possesses a diverse demographic composition. Its residents hail from a variety of ethnic backgrounds. The City’s demographic composition provides a setting for the blending of a diverse set of traditions and customs, thus making Virginia Beach a tourist destination for all kinds of activities like the Aquarium, local festivals, cultural events and entertainment venues. 1.2 Statement of Intent The Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Master Plan Design Guidelines are intended to supplement the existing City of Virginia Beach Land Development Regulations. These guidelines take into consideration the distinct character of Virginia and more specifically, the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek area. They are formulated to facilitate the development of a viable city design which is conducive to the overall enjoyment and safety of residents and visitors. The guidelines also seek to enhance the elements that lend the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area its unique character, while improving the overall aesthetic and functional quality of the Area. 2 Introduction Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines The Design Guidelines are organized in a series of chapters, sections and sub-sections that address the majority of design aspects associated with urban design and development. The broad sections are as follows: History, General Design Standards, and Master Plan Guidelines. The principles are meant to implement the intent of the Master Plan. They will serve as performance criteria used to evaluate site plans, permits and requests for design adjustments. The sections are meant to promote development or redevelopment that fulfills all the desired criteria with respect to image, scale and livability. 1.3 Guidelines Summary and Overview The Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area Design Guidelines are divided into 3 sections. Each section is preceded by a brief introduction followed by a categorized enumeration of development principles and requirements. Each sub-section is further supplemented with photographs, diagrams and sketches, where relevant. These sections are summarized as follows: Section 1: Introduction This is a brief overview of the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area followed by a statement that outlines the primary intent of the Standards. This is accompanied by a summarization of the various sections and sub-sections. Section 2: General Design Standards The General Design Standards applies to all developments and is an overarching framework within which site specific and detail recommendations can be made. It establishes effective design paradigms and focuses on determining techniques for best practice. It also addresses the necessary procedures required for certification and approval by organizations such the US Green Building Council and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards. Section 3: Master Plan Design Guidelines Master Plan Design Guidelines provide recommendations oriented toward fostering positive relationships between the public and their environment by specifically addressing design elements. They are a mechanism by which aesthetic control may be exercised when designing the areas within the Master Plan. This section also includes guidelines for treatment of building façades and frontages, and also pertains to aspects such as plaza design, water features, sculpture and art and sidewalks among others. The individual sections included are as follows: 3.1 Multimodal Transportation Multimodal Transportation is the circulation of an area by multiple means. By traveling these ways users produce less carbon with less car trips. This section details several opportunities for multimodal transportation throughout the Master Plan area. 3.2 Components of Place Components of Place provide uniqueness and foster a sense of authentic human attachment and belonging to an area. This section provides principles to enhance the surroundings and unify the contextual elements of the area to create a strong cohesive sense of place. 3.3 General Open Space Open space is not only a physical space but serves dually as functional linkages between areas and neighborhoods. It encourages outdoor circulation and activity which in turn creates safer and more pleasant environments for tourists and residents. This section outlines the general principles of General Open Spaces throughout the Master Plan area. 3 Introduction Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines 3.4 Types of Open Spaces There are several different types of open spaces throughout the Master Planning area, with different functions and characteristics. The following types of open spaces are detailed in this section.  Pedestrian Streets  Plazas  Courtyards  Linear Waterfront Parks/Promenades  Recreational Fields  Landmark Parks  Common Open Connections (Sidewalks, Boardwalks, Trails)  Nature Preserves  Botanical Gardens 3.5 Signage Guidelines Consistent signage and graphics contribute to the overall character as well as serve a directional purpose. This section provides general principles for the signage in the Master Plan area. 3.6 Landscape Guidelines Landscape elements help soften the views and surroundings of spaces while adding interest through color, texture, and fragrances. They can also provide cooling shade in public spaces, accent important areas, and buffer as well as screen environments. This section provides general guidelines for the landscape throughout the Master Plan area. 3.7 Building Design Guidelines The amount of articulation on a façade can create interest and an architectural vocabulary relating to the vernacular of the area. This section provides principles to enhance the mass and articulation of the buildings as well as provide general building design guidelines for the architecture in the Master Plan area. 4 Introduction Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines 2. General Design Standards The General Design Standards are intended as a framework to guide new development and any amendments to existing development. They are as follows: Site Design, Zoning Districts, Development Code, Virginia Building Code, ADA Standards, LEED Design Standards, Sustainable Sites Design Standards, CEPTED Design Standards, and JLUS/AICUZ Design Standards. The General Design Standards aim at providing variety in design and efficiency in function. 2.1 Site Design Site design quality is inextricably linked to the overall quality of the community. Therefore, it is important that all design standards build upon existing positive characteristics and promote new development that contributes to desired uses, scale, image, and pedestrian friendliness. Diagram of Site Design Process This diagram illustrates how site design is the intersection between analysis of existing conditions and desired objectives. The site design formula shall include all the various parameters that contribute toward a balanced outcome. 5 General Design Standards Virginia Aquarium & Owls Creek Master Plan – Design Guidelines 2.1.1 Site Analysis and Existing Conditions All applicants for new development should complete an analysis of existing conditions, both on site and on adjacent properties. Such an analysis will include an examination of the site’s physical elements, amenities and opportunities and constraints. This analysis shall be executed by a licensed design professional. Although the process might vary with every project, the following basic information would usually be required:  Overall adjacent land use and views  Boundaries  Street and right-of-way locations  Existing built structures  Existing vegetation – species counts, location and sizes  Existing topography and drainage 2.1.2 Design Objectives Specific site design objectives will be drawn up based on the conclusions and observations derived from the site analysis. However, all designs shall aim toward fulfilling the following basic goals:  Encourage appropriate building massing where scale, function and light requirements are well respected.  Provide appropriate transitions between pedestrian and vehicular zones in order to ensure safety and mobility.  Minimize negative environmental impacts such as air, light and noise pollution, excessive surface drainage, etc. through appropriate and effective landscape design.  Provide efficient systems of circulation which are compliant with existing development codes and parking standards.  Create a strong and viable community environment where outdoor activities and positive interaction between neighborhoods is enhanced through effective design. 2.1.3 Contextual Relationships Any new development or improvements to existing development in the Virginia Aquarium and Owls Creek Area shall contribute positively to existing neighborhoods and communities. Therefore, it is important that all plans and proposals take into account the value, architectural quality, physical connectivity and landscape character of adjacent sites. All plan documents shall show, in adequate detail, neighboring buildings and important site features of adjacent areas such that they facilitate the evaluation of relationships between any proposed development and the context within which it is situated. When considering connectivity to adjacent areas, it is required that existing street patterns and sidewalks extend to connect to existing circulation patterns. This measure is to ensure a continuous and cohesive circulation system throughout the Area. It is also important to link new commercial projects to established, existing commercial areas in order to encourage multimodal transportation. Such measures guarantee that proposed development does not occur against the grain of the existing fabric, but is instead conducive to it. 6 General Design Standards