Vision

As a rule of thumb, Nottingham City aims for buildings that blend-in with their context, only expecting landmarks in very specific locations, as indicated in the City Centre Design Guide (2009).

NOTE: “Planning policies and decisions should ensure that developments…are visually attractive as a result of good architecture...are sympathetic to local character and history, including the surrounding built environment and landscape setting, while not preventing or discouraging appropriate innovation or change (such as increased densities)…establish or maintain a strong sense of place, using the arrangement of streets, spaces, building types and materials.” (NPPF 12.135).

Design Criteria

F.1 Composition

F.1.1 Follow the basic rules of composition to design each façade in response to its immediate environment.

F.2 Proportions

F.2.1 The proportions (see 5. Proportions matter) of the proposed façades are informed by the proportions of the context and the immediate surrounding environment of the scheme.

F.2.2 Proposed façades are formed by component parts that are in proportions to each other - in terms of size, position, and separation - and they follow specific and clear mathematical rules (see 2. Mathematics always rule).

F.3 Geometry

F.3.1 The geometry of the proposed massing is informed by geometry found in the context of the scheme and not solely led by function (see 1. Volume and geometry respond to context). If there is no contextual reference, the design follows the Architectural Integrity rules in their entirety.

F.3.2 The geometry of the proposed façades is informed by the geometry of high quality façades in the immediate surrounding environment. If there is no contextual reference, the design follows the Architectural Integrity rules in their entirety.

F.4 Mass treatment

F.4.1 The proposed façade design helps make the mass treatment legible, for example, by adding hierarchical variation (see 4. Hierarchy brings clarity)

F.4.2 The proposed façades respond to their immediate environment in scale, form and rhythm (see 6. Scale is key). This means each aspect of the building is treated according to its setting.

F.4.3 Bottom, middle and top floors are differentiated (tripartite design) following the Nottingham trend.

F.5 Materials

F.5.1 Specify details and materials of high quality. Provide detailed drawings (e.g. scale 1:10) and management plans demonstrating how the detailing will be delivered, installed and maintained. The ageing, weathering and decay of materials must be considered and illustrated in proposals. The use of sustainable materials is preferable as long as longevity is not compromised.

F.5.2 Specify colours and textures that relate to the palette and textures of the site and its surroundings (see 7. Colour and texture in context). If contrasting colours are used to enhance the design, these must be in keeping with the site palette. Proposed colours might impact on historic settings, listed buildings and local assets in the vicinity of the site, in which case, applicants must graphically demonstrate a full understanding of that impact.

F.6 Details

F.6.1 Design all details as an integral part of the design - not as an addition - in proportion and in character with the building, and showcasing its time and place - not trying to copy period features (see 8. Details are not decorations).

F.6.2 Design fenestration depths that respond to the Nottingham trend of deeper reveals (min 1 brick depth), that project shadows onto the framework and glazing. This is a particularly critical aspect of design quality and the City Council has previously enforced the removal and re-instating of windows with shallow reveals.

F.6.3 Design service installations, drainage pipes/balcony drains, metre cabinets, etc. as an integral part of the fabric of the buildings and façades treatment regarding colour and finish - not added as an afterthought.