tall-buildings

PEDESTRIAN REALM | TALL BUILDING DESIGN GUIDELINES
4.4 PEDESTRIAN WEATHER PROTECTION
Ensure weather protection elements, such as overhangs and canopies, are
well-integrated into building design, carefully designed and scaled to support
the street, and positioned to maximize function and pedestrian comfort.
a. Provide permanent pedestrian weather protection, such
as overhangs or canopies, at building entrances and along
commercial and mixed-use street frontages.
b. In general, locate weather protection at the top of the first
floor (6 metres maximum) and provide a width of 3 metres.
Incorporate all encroachments within the private setback
unless otherwise permitted by By-Law or legal agreement.
Permanent canopies and
overhangs provide wind
and weather protection
c. Coordinate pedestrian weather protection with neighbouring
buildings for continuous shelter and compatibility in design.
d. For visual interest and clarity, integrate pedestrian-scale
lighting, signage, street numbering, and other features, such
as public art, as appropriate.
e. Permanent, durable materials are preferred as they form
part of the building architecture, have greater longevity, and
hold up against the elements.
Figure 1: A generous permanent overhang protects pedestrians from wind and weather.
f. Translucent or opaque materials are recommended to mute
reflections on ground floor glazing, mitigate passive solar
gain, and reduce light trespass from the building interior.
g. Colonnades are generally discouraged, but where proposed,
design and space columns to maintain clear views to the
uses behind and promote ease of pedestrian flow. Provide
generous proportions, including a minimum width of 3
metres and minimum height of 6 metres (1:2 ratio).
Figure 2: A well-proportioned overhang is enhanced by illuminated public art.
CITY OF TORONTO
MAY 2013
62
RATIONALE
The inclusion of pedestrian weather protection along the edges
of buildings can greatly enhance the year-round enjoyment
of streets and open space. Where base buildings form a
continuous streetwall, coordinated and uninterrupted weather
protection allows pedestrians to move comfortably throughout
the entire area in all seasons.
Weather protection elements can work together with street
trees to define and frame a street. They can help define building
proportions at the street level, articulate entrances, animate
base buildings and enhance the character of a neighbourhood.
Overhangs, canopies and awnings can also play an important
environmental role by protecting building interiors from direct,
midday summer sun and help mute reflections on glazing to
achieve ‘bird-friendly’ design.
Colonnades are generally discouraged as weather protection
devices as they tend to pull retail frontages and associated
pedestrian activity away from the street. Where they do prevail,
generous proportions and a clear view to the uses behind is key
to allow for pedestrian flow and visibility.
Official Plan Reference 3.1.2 Built Form Policy 5c |
5.1.3 Site Plan Control: Policy 3a
Related Standards, Guidelines & Studies
Toronto Green Standard | Accessibility Design Guidelines