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Wednesday, July 08, 2009 3:30 PM Board recommends architectural design standards By Rochelle Moore | Times Staff Writer Creativity is everything when designing buildings and other structures, a Wilson architect told the Wilson Planning Board Tuesday. Architect Barry Lamm, with an office in Wilson and Raleigh, told the board that the city's proposed architectural design standards for new businesses may do more harm than good. He spoke just before the planning board voted on the standards that city planning staff have been studying most of the year. "I'm a little concerned about trying to dictate architectural design to the architectural community," Lamm said. "I think you need to leave his thing as open as you can. You're dealing with art. Architecture is art." Architectural standards, if they existed years ago, may have hindered such building designs as the BB&T towers in downtown Wilson, he said. "I agree with him that we have to remain open," said Edward Jagnandan, a member of the planning board. "By being flexible, you'll have more people participate. Let's be flexible and not too rigid." Jason Brown, a code compliance specialist with the city's planning department, said the standards, which are less stringent than in other cities, would be used more as guidelines. The standards, which provide a variety of building options, are referred to in a proposed city ordinance and are enforceable. The standards, however, allow appellate rights if a design is denied by the planning director. Planning director decisions may be appealed before the planning board, and the planning board's decision may be appealed before the Wilson City Council. Planning board chairman Kelly Vick said that the standards were developed after city leaders recognized that new businesses were moving into Wilson but presenting basic design plans. The companies, including Home Depot, have more than one set of plans and sometimes do not present alternatives unless asked.
The planning board voted 8-0 to recommend the standards for approval by the city council. The city council will consider the rules during its July 17 meeting, at 7 p.m. in City Hall. Board member A.C. Joyner abstained from the vote, which is recorded as an affirmative vote. Joyner said he was also concerned that the standards would be limiting. "I think there's a possibility it could become too restrictive," Joyner said. If approved, the design standards will apply to all new development in the city's business and office zones. They will also apply to any redevelopment, refacing, exterior remodels, accessory buildings and additions to existing buildings. The standards outline rules for overall design, building facades, building materials, metal buildings, base construction, body design, vegetative walls, roofs and solar panels. rochelle@wilsontimes.com | 265-7818 |
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Mark Hargett said...
I was accepted at an accredited university and completed 6 years in the study of architecture. After completing several years of experience working in an architect's office I was able to take the licensing exam - 4 days of testing including a 12 hour test on building design. After passing all the exams I was licensed by the state of North Carolina to practice architecture. Now the approval of my designs is dependent upon the opinion someone who is not a design professional; someone with no experience in the field of architectural design. Many of the beautiful buildings in Wilson do not meet the criteria set forth in the proposed "architectural" design standards. I think that the proposed standards are too limiting and should be set up with the support and approval of Wilson's archtitects.
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11:53 AM
I was accepted at an accredited university and completed 6 years in the study of architecture. After completing several years of experience working in an architect's office I was able to take the licensing exam - 4 days of testing including a 12 hour test on building design. After passing all the exams I was licensed by the state of North Carolina to practice architecture. Now the approval of my designs is dependent upon the opinion someone who is not a design professional; someone with no experience in the field of architectural design. Many of the beautiful buildings in Wilson do not meet the criteria set forth in the proposed "architectural" design standards. I think that the proposed standards are too limiting and should be set up with the support and approval of Wilson's archtitects.
Friday, July 10, 2009 at 11:53 AM
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