HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-10-03-DAC-min LEXINGTON DESIGN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Meeting Minutes:
October 3 2006
Present:
Colin Smith(Chair),John Frey Ginna Johnson,Timothy Lee,Parker Hirtle,Alenka Slezak,Betsy
Whitman,Bmce Creager
Scribe:
Colin Smith
Call to Order
The Meeting was called to Order at 7.30PM.
Approvals.
Minutes of the September 5t1 meeting were approved with minor corrections.
Presentations/Review
201 Bedford Street(Denartment of Public Works)
HKT Architects presented the DAC with an in-depth review of the program requirements for the DPW building,
initial design process and state of the current design for this facilitN The DAC appreciates the rigor with which
functional requirements have been understood and their application,through design,to the new facilitN In
general,the DAC understands the approach to site design and building location and is supportive of the proposed
elements and their locations. Comments to the Site and Building Design are as follows
Site Design.
1 Reduce parking spaces bw four to add tree planting in front of building to break up parking and increase
area of lost green space Consider same reduction in spaces from rear(southwest)parking to shield
neighbor s views of lot,provide shade for cars and absorb storm water runoff.
2 Relocate the fence adjacent to the bikepath with room for plantings to shield the view of the fence
3 Consider adding a demonstrative,educational aspect to green and sustainable design with catchment
and recycling runoff and greN water for vehicle washing and other utilitarian uses.
Building Design.
4 Studh elevation of level one finished floor height to minimize height impact on site
5 Create a facade treatment that is civic in character. simple,sustainable materials,rhythm derived from
structure/function and substantial or generous in effect to reflect its importance within the conmmunit
This would elevate the architecture of municipal pride and function as the historic continuitN in place of
applying a colonial' facade on a modern daN facilitN The function should be expressed and celebrated
while being sensitive to its context in historical Lexington.
6 Open interior bw 'borrowing views through the building.
7 Consider a trellis of wood and steel cable,integrated with architecture of building,to reduce solar gain,
create an outdoor room and a place for plant material to grow In effect,the trellis would help create a
transition between landscape and building.
8 The articulation and scale of the administration building feels disjointed with the rest of the building,
consider a language and scale of spaces that is consistent between the two
9 The entrti sequence feels tight for such a large civic building. Consider a more generous vestibule and
lobbN one where the circulation sequence is clear(currently one enters the front door and is faced with a
decision about going upstairs or to the lobbN). Shouldn t the vertical elements(stair and elevator)be
combined for clantN of purpose
314 Bedford Street(T-Mobile wireless installation)
The DAC reviewed this proposal for a freestanding wireless installation and found it to be acceptable there
were no comments.
44 Hartwell Avenue(Alexandria Freestanding Sign-Pharma Biologics)
The DAC reviewed this proposal for a freestanding sign and found it to be generally acceptable There was
some concern about the overall size of the sign and it was suggested that it be made about 10%smaller
Other Business.
Discussion on Cornell University structural soil' properties and upcoming video presentation on benefits
of using this type of soil for sidewalk trees.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at approximately 10.00PM.
Next Meeting:
Scheduled for Tuesday November 7th n 7.30PM.
Cc. Board of Selectmen
Wendy Manz,Planning Board Liaison