Early last month at the Urban Land Institute Japan Summit, I was able to ask

former British Prime Minister John Major how London has come to embrace tall
buildings in the city despite earlier objections from Londoners, including
Prince Charles. How has London successfully blended high-rise buildings into
the urban fabric of London with heritage landmarks? Mr. Major responded to
my query in a similar way with our conversations with Peter Wynne Rees,
planning officer for the city of London. This was at another conference called
Height and Heritage, organized by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban
Habitat (CTBUH).

vectoropenstock.com

World heritage buildings are not limited in the past. There are new monumental structures in
the 20th and 21st centuries as well. The Empire State Building in New York and the Petronas
towers of Kuala Lumpur are looked upon as icons of the booming economies. The Burj Khalifa
marks the rise of the city of Dubai as one of the new global gateway cities. It is said that our
heritage preserves our identity. It is a reminder not just of who we were and where we are
going, but also that our present buildings do not lose their dialogue with the past and the
future.

In an effort to preserve these heritage structures, there are various ordinances worldwide
regulating the height and bulk of buildings as not to block the view of these sites. In New
York, Neogothic churches stand side by side with skyscrapers and integrate them as part of
the urban fabric. Similarly, a tall blue glass building in Boston enhances a historical church by
reflecting the image of the church and making it visually larger. In Denver, the Holy Ghost
Church sold part of its churchyard to a high-rise building developer. The lowest four floors of
the building were left vacant so that it does not visually overpower the church. Also, the
vacant ground space can accommodate a spillover from church-goers and can also be
allocated for emergency vehicles in times of emergencies.

One of the first issues to address is establishing the height limit of buildings in certain areas,
such as the famous case in Istanbul and in St. Petersburg. Laws in the building code such as
floor area ratios and height, establishing visual corridors, can be modified depending on
specific areas that are identified through progressive urban planning, urban design, and
architecture. There could also be ordinances regarding transportation routes and usage in
certain areas, with car-free and pedestrian-friendly zones.

In the CTBUH conference in London in 2013, the British architect Terry Farrell emphasized
that tall buildings should include holistic place-making extending well beyond the main
building itself. In a manner of speaking, a tall building should not just reach for the sky but
it should also meet the ground. He also added that a tall building should include a variety of
uses, including public or open space, and should always keep the pedestrian in mind through
transport improvements. As a mixed-use building, the structure becomes more sustainable
because you allocate a vertical space to a whole urban district instead of creating an urban
sprawl. Also, by allocating public or open space, a tall building does not disrupt visual
connection to the heritage sites.

In London, the tall buildings blend very well with heritage structures within the larger urban
context. The tall buildings are allowed and encouraged to be built, provided the ground floors
and top floors are accessible to the public. Furthermore, these tall buildings must respect
visual corridors established by the City Planning of London, like respecting the views of the
Big Ben, the Parliament, the Tower of London, and the dome of St. Pauls Cathedral.

London has successfully integrated height (tall buildings) and heritage (historical landmarks)
through progressive and comprehensive urban planning -- bringing London well into the 21st
century as still a leading global gateway city.

London established visual corridors that must be respected by all proposed tall buildings
before planning and building permits are approved. Landmarks must not be blocked visually.

The challenges of building tall in a historic urban fabric are addressed through urban
planning, urban design, zoning, and architectural controls. Those new iconic tall buildings
like The Shard, 20 Fenchurch Street (a.k.a. Walkie Talkie), or The Gherkin have to respect all
the visual corridors designated by the City Planning of London. The first two floors and the
top floors must be accessible to the public, but security must also be ensured.

We can also consider retrofitting buildings and integrating them with other establishments so
that it can be used as modern-day offices while preserving its original form. Heritage
buildings, where appropriate and applicable, can have adaptive reuse and be transformed
into museums, fine dining and retail establishments, and hotels. Tax incentives can be given
to those who comply with the retrofitting concept.

We need to preserve our cultural heritage because it is a reminder of our identity, evolving
through time. We should not lose sight of our uniqueness and who we are. It is important
that we have a clear approach, with clear guidelines through urban planning, zoning, urban
design, and architectural control before development approvals and building permits are
given -- not after the high-rise structures are already built. All these can help us determine
how we should preserve and enhance these landmarks to appropriately transition well into
the 21st century.

Felino A. Palafox, Jr. is the principal architect and urban planner of Palafox Associates and
president of Palafox Architecture Group. He is the country representatve of the
Chicago-based Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Opinion&title=how-tall-buildings-and-
heritage-can-blend-into-historic-urban-fabric&id=111030

Contemporary Architecture

Contemporary architects create designs that embody all the differences in styles, making the
buildings of modern times masterpieces. Cutting away from the Modern architectural designs of
the late twentieth century, todays architecture features eco-friendly whimsy and creativity.
Contemporary A rchitecture

Unlike modern architecture, which is defined as the building style during the early to
mid-twentieth century, Contemporary architecture refers to present-day building style. Because
todays architecture styles are numerous, it is difficult to come up with a formal or precise
definition of contemporary architecture. Contemporary architects take into account the stark, clean
lines and utilitarianism of Modern architecture and seek to design more personal buildings. New
architecture makes use of oversized windows to invite an abundance of natural light and large
open spaces, providing a sense of airiness. The buildings frames veer from symmetry, often being
given unique shapes. Contemporary architects focus on eco-friendly designs that are energy
efficient and incorporate recycled materials. It is becoming common to see plants adorning the
roofs of buildings for increased energy efficiency and improved outdoor air quality. Natural
materials are being used inside todays edifices, and blending buildings with the natural
surroundings or repurposing existing buildings are also common themes. The use of concrete can
no longer be classified as Brutalism. Architects have realized the value of reinforced concrete in
Contemporary structural design. Concrete can be shaped in almost any way imaginable to make
aesthetically pleasing buildings, and its economical. Once its reinforced with a material like steel,
it can be erected in ways other building materials cant. Concrete can be mixed with recycled
materials, such as broken glass to give it texture and sparkle, and it can be pigmented for subtle or
vibrant color. From bridges to skyscrapers, concrete is versatile enough for the job.
Computer-aided design sets Contemporary styles of architecture apart from previous styles. It
allows architects to test fantastical designs for stability, efficiency, and durability. Computer
software was used to create the unusual curves and shapes of the Guggenheim Museum built in
Bilbao, Spain, in 1997. The museum is the work of Contemporary architect Frank Gehry, who has
also been commissioned to design and build the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi in the United
Arab Emirates. The exciting building in Bilbao brings together limestone, titanium, and glass to
form a structure that almost seems to move. Gehry is using computer-aided design to bring his
daring creation to life in Abu Dhabi. He believes the open tracks of landscape combining desert
and ocean afford the opportunity to create a building that would not be possible in Europe or the
United States, and computers are helping him bring his plans to fruition. Another fine example of
todays architecture is the new Musee du Quai Branly in Paris. Designed by architect Jean Nouvel,
the museum rests beside the Eiffel Tower and features mismatched buildings and Asian, African,
and Oceanic art. Its a refreshing sight nestled in a beautiful exotic garden on the Seine River. A
glass wall was erected to separate the garden from the traffic on the other side, and one building is
wallpapered in plants. Nouvels masterpiece almost breaks Parisian rules but instead gets rid of
the rules altogether, just as all Contemporary architecture seems to do.
http://blog.art.com/artwiki/~/contemporary-architecture/
Building standards

17.64.010 Conformance required.

Each community apartment project, condominium project, and stock cooperative project, whether new
construction or conversion, shall conform to the building standards set forth in this chapter. (Ord. 3-94 1(part),
1994).

17.64.020 Individual meters and sewer laterals--Master water meter.

Each unit within a project shall have a separate meter to register the consumption of gas, electricity and water
within such unit so that each unit owner may be billed individually for such consumption. Each horizontal
condominium unit shall have an individual sewer lateral. In any condominium project with eight units or more
per building, the developer may utilize a master water meter. This section shall not be construed to prevent
installation of metering for utilities utilized in the common areas, which billing may be to the association. (Ord.
3-94 1(part), 1994).

17.64.030 Noise insulation.

Walls, ceilings and floors and between units, vehicle parking areas, common ownership areas shall comply with
all sound transmission standards of the Uniform Building Code adopted for use by the city at the time of the
project application. All common walls must be caulked at the ceiling and floor. No electrical outlets shall be
installed back to back in common walls. In no event shall plumbing be installed within a common wall in a
horizontal dwelling unit. In vertical dwelling units, if plumbing is within a common wall such common wall shall
be double-walled. Prior to construction of any new condominium dwelling units, or conversion of existing
dwelling units, the developer shall submit a report from a licensed acoustical engineer. (Ord. 3-94 1(part),
1994).

17.64.040 Parking.
Each dwelling unit in any community apartment project, condominium project, and stock cooperative project
shall have two covered parking spaces, one of which shall be a garage. There shall be one guest parking
space provided for each four dwelling units or fraction thereof. (Ord. 3-94 1(part), 1994).

17.64.050 Minimum dwelling unit size.

All projects shall contain the following minimum gross usable floor area, inclusive of walls, stairs within the unit,
clothes closets, and cabinets:

One bedroom unit: eight hundred seventy-five square feet;

Two bedroom unit: one thousand seventy-five square feet;

Three bedroom unit: one thousand two hundred fifty square feet;

Each additional bedroom over three: one thousand two hundred fifty square feet plus one hundred square feet
each additional bedroom. (Ord. 3-94 1(part), 1994).

17.64.060 Outdoor common area.

In all residential condominiums, community apartment projects, and stock cooperatives, the outdoor common
area, exclusive of all structures, driveways and parking areas, shall contain a minimum land area per unit as
follows:

A. For horizontal condominiums, seven hundred square feet per unit;

B. For vertical condominiums, where structures average two stories or less, four hundred square feet per unit;
where structures average between two and three stories, three hundred square feet per unit; where structures
average three stories or more, two hundred square feet per unit;

C. Each vertical dwelling unit shall be provided with a minimum sixty-square-foot deck. Horizontal dwelling
units shall be provided within a one-hundred-fifty-square-foot minimum deck or private open space. (Ord. 3-94
1(part), 1994).

17.64.070 Storage space.

In addition to guest, linen, food pantry, and clothes closets customarily provided, each unit within a project shall
have at least one hundred twenty-five cubic feet of enclosed, weatherproofed, and lockable private storage
space. Such space shall be for the sole use of the unit owner and shall have a minimum horizontal surface
 area of eighteen square feet, and a minimum interior width dimension of two and seventy-five hundredths
feet. (Ord. 3-94 1(part), 1994).

17.64.080 Shock mounting of mechanical equipment.

All permanent mechanical equipment, such as motors, compressors, pumps and compactors, which is
determined by the building official to be a source of structural vibration or structure-borne noise shall be shock
mounted on inertia blocks or bases and/or vibration isolators in a manner approved by the building
official. (Ord. 3-94 1(part), 1994).

17.64.090 Fire protection requirements.

A. Smoke Detectors. Every dwelling unit shall be provided with a smoke detector. Installation shall comply
with the National Fire Protection Association Pamphlet No. 74. The detector shall be mounted on the ceiling at
a point centrally located in the corridor or area giving access to rooms used for sleeping purposes.

B. Fire Walls. Fire walls shall be installed in accordance with the standards contained in the Uniform
Building Code as adopted by the city at the time of the project application.

C. Sprinkler System. Installation of a sprinkler system, fire alarms and other fire protection devices, when
required, shall be in compliance with the Uniform Fire Code adopted for use at the time of construction as a
project, or at the time of the conversion application. (Ord. 3-94 1(part), 1994).

17.64.100 Insulation.
Energy conservation insulation shall be installed in all buildings including common ownership structures used
for assembly purposes, in accordance with Title 24 of the California Administrative Code. (Ord. 3-94 1(part),
1994).

17.64.110 Laundry facilities.

A laundry area shall be provided in each unit. In such cases where the developer can demonstrate that this
standard cannot or should not reasonably be met, this standard may be modified by the planning
commission. (Ord. 3-94 1(part), 1994).

10-5.1704 Residential parking standards

a. Condominiums. Notwithstanding the above, condominiums

shall provide a minimum of two (2) parking spaces for each dwelling unit within an enclosed
private or common parking garage.
b. Visitor parking spaces. All multi-family developments on lots
fifty (50) feet or more in width shall provide the following number of off-street visitor
parking spaces in addition to the parking required for the residents:

2-3 dwellings 1 visitor space

4-6 dwellings 2 visitor spaces
7-10 dwellings 3 visitor spaces
11 + dwellings 1 space for each 3 dwellings
 1. Any fractional requirement equal to or greater than
one-half (1/2) of a visitor parking space shall be interpreted as a requirement for a total visitor
parking space.
2. Visitor parking spaces shall be grouped in a location that
is convenient to visitors and shall be accessible at all times. Visitor parking spaces shall not
be located within a secured private or common parking garage that requires a key, handset, or
other electrical or mechanical device to gain access to such spaces.
3. In condominium projects, the association, at any time after
the owners have assumed control of the association, may lease or rent such visitor parking
spaces to a unit owner or designate such spaces as visitor parking.
c. Rental of parking spaces prohibited. No parking space required
by the provisions of this subsection shall be rented, leased, or otherwise conveyed for use by
any person who is not a tenant within the residential development.
d. Setbacks. No visitor parking space or open required parking
space shall encroach into the required front setback or into the required exterior side setback
in the case of a corner lot.
(3) Mobile home parks. Mobile home parks shall provide one parking space
for each mobile home, located adjacent or easily accessible to each mobile home.
(4) Senior housing.
a. Senior citizen housing development. Senior citizen housing
developments shall provide a minimum of one covered space per one-bedroom unit and one
covered space plus 0.5 covered or uncovered spaces per two (2) bedroom unit. One visitor
space per every five (5) units shall be provided.
1. For two-bedroom units, two (2) parking spaces in tandem
may be considered equivalent to and an alternative to the minimum requirement of 1.5 spaces
per two (2) bedroom unit.
2. Total parking requirements for a development approved
under this subsection may be reduced by a maximum of 0.2 spaces per unit restricted for low
or moderate income households, provided that in no case shall there be less than one covered
space per unit.
b. Senior group housing. A minimum of 0.5 covered space per unit
and one visitor space per every five (5) units shall be provided.
c. Residential care facility for the elderly and convalescent
facilities. A minimum of one space per three (3) beds shall be provided.
(b) Residential: driveway approaches, driveways, and parking pads.
(1) Materials for driveways and parking pads.

a. All driveways and parking pads shall be constructed of Portland

cement concrete not less than three and one-half (3-1/2) inches thick or equivalent.
1. Notwithstanding the above, the use of pervious materials
such as turf block, grass strips between concrete strips, brick, stone, and similar materials may
be approved subject to Administrative Design Review (pursuant to Section 10-5.2500),
provided that the driveway is determined to be safe and that alternative paths are available to
the home providing safe handicapped access. Soft materials such as grass strips shall not be
used where the driveway slope exceeds five (5%) percent or on common driveways shared by
two adjacent lots. Irrigation systems shall be required where use of grass is permitted.
b. All new residential driveways and parking pads shall have not
less than fifteen (15%) percent of the total driveway/parking pad area surfaced with brick,
exposed aggregate, and/or other comparable decorative architectural material.
1. R-1A zone. Notwithstanding the above, in the R-1A zone
not less than twenty-five (25%) percent of the total driveway/parking pad area shall be
surfaced with brick, exposed aggregate, and/or other comparable decorative architectural
material.
(2) Maximum grade. No driveway providing access to off-street parking
shall have a grade greater than fifteen (15%) percent. Note: additional Building and
Engineering Department requirements are applicable to the driveway design.
(3) Access across lots. All driveways providing access to garages in a
residential zone shall be on the same lot as the residential development, except that the
Planning Commission, by Planning Commission Design Review pursuant to the provisions of
Section 10-5.2502, may approve common easements dedicated for vehicular access to
garages.
(4) Width of driveway approaches and driveways.
a. Driveways used to serve not more than one single-family
residence shall be a minimum of nine (9) feet and a maximum of twenty (20) feet in width for
two (2) car garages and a maximum of twenty-eight (28) feet for three (3) car garages. In
instances where an existing driveway access between the wall of a building and the property
line is less than nine (9) feet in width, such access may be continued provided any new
development does not encroach into the driveway widths specified by this section.
b. Driveways serving two (2) dwelling units but not more than
twelve (12) dwelling units shall be a minimum of eleven (11) feet and a maximum of
twenty-eight (28) feet in width.
c. Driveways serving thirteen (13) or more dwelling units shall be a
minimum of twenty (20) feet in width when used for egress and ingress, or two (2) driveways,
each a minimum of eleven (11) feet in width, shall be provided where one driveway is used
only for ingress and the other driveway is used only for egress.
d. The width of a driveway approach shall match the width of the
driveway.
(5) Projections into driveways.
a. Projections, such as cornices, eaves, belt courses, sills, utility
meter boxes, fireplace chimneys, and any other architectural feature, shall not project more
than six (6) inches into any driveway, unless they are more than eighty-eight (88) inches
above the surface of the driveway.
b. A mature tree (trunk diameter a minimum of six (6) inches) may
be permitted to project into the required minimum driveway width or driveway approach by a
maximum of one foot for a driveway serving a single-family residence or by a maximum of
two (2) feet for a driveway serving two (2) or more dwelling units, subject to Administrative
Design Review (pursuant to Section 10-5.2500) or subject to Planning Commission Design
Review (pursuant to Section 10-5.2502) in conjunction with a project otherwise subject to
Planning Commission Design Review.
 (6) Prohibition of new driveway approaches for lots served by alleys. No
new driveway approaches shall be permitted along the street frontage for lots in the R-1 zone
having alley access on the following blocks (see illustration below):
a. Avenue A between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.
b. Avenue B between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.
c. Avenue C between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.
d. Avenue D between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.
e. Avenue E between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.
f. Avenue F between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.
g. Avenue G between South Catalina Avenue and Pacific Coast
Highway.

ILLUSTRATION OF SECTION 10-5.1704(b)(6)

Areas Where New Driveway Approaches are Prohibited along the Street Frontage
(indicated by shaded area)
 (7) Protection of on-street parking. Driveways serving new development
shall be sized and located to prevent a net loss of on-street parking spaces to the maximum
extent feasible, as determined by the City. To implement this, conditions of approval may
include, but not be limited to, required access from existing alleys, or limiting the size and
number of curbcuts.
(8) Curb cuts.
a. No new curb cut shall be permitted except in connection with
approved driveways that provide direct access to a garage or for access to public walkways
approved by the City.
b. Curbs shall be restored and driveway aprons removed in
conjunction with new residential construction or cumulative additions of more than 500
square feet where the existing curb cut does not provide direct access to a garage.
c. No more than one curb cut per residential lot shall be permitted
along the same street frontage.
You might be designing your home office layout from different circumstances:

You already have a space (or spaces) for the office and you want to
design it.
You are designing completely from scratch and need to decide how much
space to dedicate to office spaces in your home and where to locate
them.

We'll be using the House Plans Helper activity based design process which
takes you through a series of questions to get the requirements for your
home office.

Grab a piece of paper, go through this page and at the end of it you'll have a list
of requirements. Then you can have a look at the other home office pages.

See the home office floor plans page or the small home office design page for
some ready made layouts. You might find one that suits you.

This page forms part of the home office design series.