PB PlaceMaking - Maryland Department of Transportation

An active urban park
Landscaping and street trees create an
attractive sidewalk
APPENDIX
Urban Design Principles
The design of buildings and streets between them create the identity
and quality of a place. A combination of good design, durable
materials and a commitment to long-term maintenance will be
critical to the success of the Eutaw District. Although the following
section does not provide definitive design guidelines, it does provide
an overview of the type of details that will require thoughtful
consideration.
Positive Outdoor Space
Buildings must define and shape outdoor spaces. Some considerations
include:
– Providing enclosure;
– No ‘left over’ spaces – every space has a purpose;
– Create common “build to” lines;
– Define character, such as “informal recreation” or “formal civic
space”;
– Buildings that front the public realm.
Animated Edges
Public spaces function successfully when the building edges that
define them, contribute to the overall activity within the space. Some
considerations to create active public spaces include:
– Activate building frontages;
– Articulate facades to reflect human scale;
– Include views into and out of buildings;
– Orient the most active building functions prominently along the
street edge;
– Respect neighboring buildings;
– Reflect local building traditions; and
– Create building facades that are attractively detailed when
viewed close up as well as from a distance.
State Center Transit Oriented Development Strategy 51