HomeMy WebLinkAboutFORT COLLINS DISCOVERY MUSEUM - PDP - 6-10 - REPORTS - BUILDING EXTERIOROur exterior materials were chosen for a variety of reasons. The primary building material is colored precast
concrete. This material was chosen primarily because of its texture and connection with nature. This material
does, however have other benefits to the project. First, it is a very sustainable product, in that it is locally
harvested and produced. It also provides excellent thermal mass and will help minimize the energy use of the
facility. In addition, it is extremely durable, and will stand up to the elements in a way befitting a long term
community institution such as this facility. The treillage and vinery applied to these panels will allow the
museum fa4ade to change overtime, creating a different experience at various times of year. In addition to
connecting this facility to the natural areas it occupies, these wall plantings will also help minimize the direct
heat gain on the panels. The areas of stucco on the south elevation are intended to serve as accents to the
overall elevation, and we are proposing to select a stucco color that relates to the color of masonry used
predominantly in downtown Fort Collins. By matching the brick colors of old town, we are able to bring some
contrast to the color scheme of the building in away that is compatible with the neighborhood context. Finally,
the metal panel we are proposing was selected for its expression of science. The panels will be grey in color,
and will provide a sleek counterpoint to the texture of the walls and vinery' below. Along with the height of the
tower, these panels will attract the eye of the prospective visitors, and are expressive of the science aspects of
this museum. Based on the P&Z Board comments, we are proposing a matte finish on these metal panels.
We recognize the significance of this building to the Fort Collins Community, and appreciate this level of input
and discussion. It is our goal to create a facility that expresses the image and vision of the museum directors in
a way that is compatible with the community of Fort Collins, resulting in a museum that the whole community
can be proud of.
Sincerely,
DDavEED AP
Principal
4.x1.2020 Page sofa
April 27, 2010
Steve Olt
City of Fort Collins
283_ North College Avenue
Ft. Collins, CO
80522-0580
Reference: Basis for design at the Fort Collins Discovery Museum
Steve,
We appreciate the feedback that we received at the recent Planning and Zoning Board Hearing on April 3.5th.
From those discussions, it is clear that our building as designed is difficult to evaluate under the letter of the
land use code. Our building is a contemporary expression, and while there may be a desire toward a more
traditional approach to the composition of our building, it is important to note that the building design we are
proposing is based on specific direction from the leadership of the museum, and is reflective of their values.
They fully support the design and embrace it as an integral part of their image.
The use of concrete walls and vertical plantings is our response to the site context, which currently consists of
natural vegetation. While this site is in close proximity to the urban center of town, it does not share the strong
link to historic architectural forms or expressions. The natural areas are the strongest contextual driver on this
site, and for that reason, our design intends to draw a strong link to nature rather than the urban context that
exists a few blocks away.
We recognize that our building is not totally compliant with the letter of the land use code regarding fagade
treatment and base and top treatments, and submit that the deviation we propose is the result of a more
contemporary response to the natural context that defines this building. We have composed the elevations in
such a way that we believe that we are achieving the goals of this section of the land use code, but in an
alternative from what is prescribed.
On the east side of the building, our wall is articulated into two horizontal bands through the use of the trelliage
and vines. The length of this wall is divided along those elevations through the use of projected or recessed
elements. Based on the P&Z Board comments, we have adjusted the building to incorporate some recesses on
this east elevation to improve the articulation along its length. By creating gaps and variations in the height of
the trelliage, we are further reinforcing the rhythm that is established by the precast concrete panel module
between these dividing elements.
On the north and west elevations, we are proposing that the horizontal articulation is created by the clean
uninterrupted band of precast above the reveal, and the window expression below the reveal. As you can see
from the elevations, the windows at this location are of a consistent size, and applied based on a kit of parts and
set of rules, in an effort to calibrate them to the interior exhibit goals. The result is a pattern of windows that
plays across this portion of the elevation. This side of the building is undulating, and the very contouring of the
wall itself will provide the necessary relief, mitigating its perceived length. It is also important to acknowledge
that this area of the facility will sponsor exterior exhibits, so the building is really intended to be a neutral
backdrop for the exhibits in the foreground.
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