Plan the public realm near transit for all-season use.
Public spaces should have good solar access, comfortable wind conditions, rain protection, seating, and landscape elements. Building placement, soft landscaping, and landscape structures should provide shade, wind, and rain protection. Avoid building placement that generates wind tunnels and large barren expanses.
Ground floor facades on major streets should incorporate continuous climate and weather protection. Weather protection canopies should be functional, of high design quality, and contribute to the human scale of the street. They should provide a choice for exposure to winter sun and shelter from summer sun and should be positioned between eleven (11) feet and sixteen (16) feet in height.
Consideration of sun and shade angles and stepping back of taller building portions may improve the comfort of pedestrians at street level, especially in cooler winter months. This should be balanced with consideration for shade in warmer months.
Use vegetation strategically along streets and in open spaces. Consider microclimate, visibility, and accessibility during species selection.
