Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
provide visual interest and richness, particularly at the pedestrian level. Materials
should be used honestly and reflect their inherent qualities. Make use of deep roof
overhangs and recessed windows.
10. Buildings should strive to incorporate resource efficient healthy building practices.
Utilize design strategies and building techniques that minimize environmental
impact, reduce energy consumption, and conserve water.
11. Landscape design should respond to the desert environment by utilizing a variety
of mature landscape materials that are indigenous to the arid region. The charac-
ter of the project should be expressed through the selection of planting materials
in terms of scale, density, and arrangement. The landscaping should complement
the built environment while relating to the various uses, such as shading and
buffering.
12. Site design should incorporate techniques for minimizing water irrigation needs
by providing desert-adapted landscaping and preserving native plants. Water, as
a landscape element, should be used judiciously. Water features should be placed
in semi-enclosed or at least partially shaded locations where pedestrian activity
occurs such as entry courtyards or patio areas.
13. The extent and quality of lighting should be integrally designed as part of the
built environment. A balance should occur between the ambient light level and
the designated lighting needs. Lighting should be designed to minimize glare and
invasive overflow to conserve energy while reflecting the character of the area.
Strike a balance between using natural light as a part of the building function and
regional architectural expression.
14. Signage should consider the distinctive qualities and character of the surrounding
context in terms of size, color, location, and illumination. Signage should be
designed to be complementary to the architecture, landscaping, and design theme
for the site, with due consideration for visibility and legibility.
28.4.4 Green Building Program
Scottsdale has long held a leadership position in developing environmental planning
initiatives. From the recreational multiuse Indian Bend Wash Greenbelt 7.5 mile stretch
(Figure 28.5) and the 36,400 acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve (Figure 28.6) to the Sensitive
Design Principles described earlier, Scottsdale's has achieved national recognition in its
efforts to harmonize the built environment with the Sonoran Desert (see Chapter 13).
These programs have served as a foundation for the development of the city's Green
Building Program.
The underlying principle of “green building” as defined in Scottsdale is to minimize
environmental impact of buildings and associated site development . Green building broadens
the regulatory perspective of the built environment with the recognition that “nothing we
do happens in isolation.” By connecting the building project to the regional environment,
the project design parameters are broadened in the regional context of energy, resource
conservation, and environmental impacts.
The City of Austin, Texas established the first green building program in the early
nineties and there are now over 50 municipal residential and commercial green building
programs in the United States (see Chapter 31).* In 1998, the City of Scottsdale developed
* https://my.austinenergy.com/wps/portal/aegb/aegb/home (accessed August 20, 2011).
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