Faced with the possibility of a community-led moratorium on new development, Watertown initiated Design Guidelines and Standards for new development along the Town’s primary commercial corridors. The Guidelines were developed as the first implementation step which resulted from Watertown’s Comprehensive Plan that sought to concentrate redevelopment along public transit corridors.
Nine over-arching categories for development organize the topics. Three-dimensional computer models, created using an intentional range of architectural languages, describe the characteristics in perspective and highlight strategies as they relate to essential building elements like height, massing and public realm interface. In addition to the guidelines, the scope of work included drafting language to be integrated into the Zoning Ordinance and collaboration with a national housing developer to test the application of the guidelines to a specific, 288 unit mixed-use complex in design.
The Design Guidelines and Standards have clarified expectations. Developers are referring to the Design Guideline document prior to any formal submission or public approval process. The easy-to- read guidelines, devoid of jargon are an accurate reflection of the broader public’s awareness about design excellence. A Design Review process to ensure conformance facilitates interpretation.
Town of Watertown
Prototypical Test Case
Zoning regulations that communicate dimensional criteria are generally difficult to understand with text alone. Generating prototypical building forms with 3D models facilitates dialogue and enable the primary design issues to be more easily understood and communicated. The application of color references specific categories such as lot coverage, building massing, height, setbacks, fenestration, material palette and public realm interface.