Being responsible for the design and rezoning submission of the three phase master planned community Graziani + Corazza Architects enriched the process through open meetings and discussions with the City staff. With open team oriented series of conversations brought forward the type of project that both the client and the City anticipated and resulted in a successful development approval process.
The built form consists of two linear building masses that provide an urban edge to the streetscapes while providing for an interior courtyard space. The taller masses announce the corners of the site and step down as they return. The stepping in mass provides for a relief in the development while providing views through the site. At grade, a strong retail presence adjacent to the site is maintained with the implementation of street related retail uses.
Materials are used to both identify the massing and to provide relief to the façade. Precast panels are introduced with punch windows to lie into the existing brick warehouse building type while glass is used in the elevated masses to further emphasize the building vertically. Ground floor retail uses maintain a rhythm of precast panel spacing which are infilled with glass. This treatment further emphasizes the retail presence while animating the pedestrian edge. Linear precast elements are introduced to provide a horizontal delineation to the vertical mass and to further accentuate building mass setbacks.
The development incorporates a sense of environmentally conscious measures as to minimize energy consumption and impact to the surrounding environment. Green initiatives are met through the incorporation of green roof systems. These assist in minimizing dark roof top areas which provide for inner city heat sinks. The green roof system also takes advantage of natural rainwater irrigation which in turn minimizes the impact on municipal stormwater systems. Green roofs also provide insulating benefits while acting as a backdrop to rooftop amenities uses. Energy efficient envelope and mechanical equipment are also used as to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas production.
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