PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN

T O P I C S A N D G O A L S

WHAT IS PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN?Performance-Based Design is a FRAMEWORK BY WHICH WE CAN ACHIEVE MEASURABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS. It requires that we set design goals and develop design strategies in the early stages of our process, and then establish related baseline information against which to measure solutions and outcomes for each goal.

WHY DO WE NEED IT?This approach will help us ACHIEVE MORE THOUGHTFUL AND INNOVATIVE PLANNING AND DESIGN SOLUTIONS, while also improving our sustainability “IQ”.

PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN APPROACH

STEP 1 Initiate site analysis, program definition, and in some cases, initial concept generation to establish the design parameters of the project.

STEP 2 Based on the results of step 1, select at least 2-3 relevant design topics and goals for the project.

STEP 3 For each goal, establish baseline conditions and document design strategies to accomplish the goal. Complete the design brief and continue to prioritize goal completion throughout the process.

STEP 4 Evaluate performance outcomes.

1. Use Systems Based Thinking – understand assets and challenges at both regional and site levels

2. Perform Capacity Analysis – determine environmental sensitivity and carrying capacity, and then formulate

development schemes that respond appropriately

3. Create Green Infrastructure Solutions – integrating bio-design and landscape ecology solutions that utilize

water, vegetation, soils, and habitat as a way to address needs and outcomes for multiple infrastructure systems

4. Practice Place-Based Design – establish native and historic ecologic and cultural patterns as a basis for design

5. Incorporate a Performance-Based Design Approach – establish a baseline and set performance goals at the

outset of the planning process

6. Build Resiliency – create diversified, durable, and adaptable communities, ecosystems, economies,

and social systems

7. Strive for Net Zero or Net Positive Development

8. Incorporate Regenerative Design – restore, renew, or revitalize disturbed or fragmented landscape systems

9. Promote Alternative Transportation and Renewable Energy Solutions

10. Assemble a Team of Specialists – soil scientists, hydrologists, horticulturists, etc.

11. Adopt New Technologies – materials, food production, and manufacturing processes

GUIDING PRINCIPLES DESIGN BRIEFPROJECT NAME:

PROJECT #: PROJECT MANAGER:

PROJECT VISION:PROJECT PROGRAM:

DATE:

TOPICDESIGN GOAL

METHODOLOGIES& STRATEGIES

BASELINE INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE OUTCOME

TOPIC

LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT FORM

A. Target brownfields or greyfields for infill developmentB. Maximize connections to mass transitC. Locate development in proximity to jobs and housingD. Provide a mix of usesE. Limit development on land designated as prime farmlandF. Protect and enhance fragile shorelinesG. Create compact development forms to minimize infrastructure and reduce overall footprintH. Plan for a well-connected road network to provide flexibility in vehicular movementI. Plan for a well-connected system of walkways, bikeways, and trails to promote pedestrian mobilityJ. Provide adequate recreational open space

LAND USE & DEVELOPMENT FORM

WATER

A. Protect, rehabilitate, and restore riparian zones such as streams, wetlands, and shoreline buffersB. Analyze hydrologic characteristics of the entire watershed basin to protect off-site water resourcesC. Design storm water features as landscape amenitiesD. Reduce storm water runoff volumes by reducing impervious surfaces (i.e., permeable paving) E. Reduce erosion and sedimentation by slowing runoff velocity through natural system interventionsF. Increase water quality through groundwater cleansing and recharge areas with green infrastructure

solutions such as filtration ponds and rain gardensG. Harvest rainwater and/or remediate black or grey water for irrigation needs and flushing toiletsH. Use high efficiency, smart irrigation systems that utilize rain sensor or soil moisture sensor technologiesI. Reduce landscape water needs by limiting use of turf grass and through xeriscape designJ. Minimize or eliminate potable water use for water featuresK. Incorporate dual flush WC’s and waterless toilets/urinals to reduce water use up to 90%L. Use chemical-free pool mechanical systemsM. Perform routine maintenance to ensure water usage efficiency

WATER

FOOD

FOODA. Incorporate local food productionB. Provide on-site gardensC. Convert food waste and use for compostingD. Introduce worm bins to reduce organic waste and extract worm castings to use as nutrient-rich fertilizers

SITE DESIGN

A. Design for resiliency to natural hazards (i.e., flexibility, adaptability, disassembly, and durability)B. Protect steep slopesC. Adapt design to respond to site specific geological conditionsD. Reduce heat island effect through shading strategies, minimizing paved surfaces, and use of high

albedo materials E. Reduce conventional dimensions for impervious roadways, trails, and walkways (1’ less rule)F. Implement semi-pervious paving surfacesG. Site buildings to take advantage of prevailing breezes for natural cross-ventilationH. Orient buildings and gathering spaces to minimize solar gain in the summer and maximize solar gain in the winterI. Create micro-climates for human comfort through building layout and landscape designJ. Create smart streets that are walkable and accessibleK. Incorporate natural tree shading to reduce direct and reflected sunlight adjacent to buildingsL. Incorporate best practices in site lighting to minimize light pollution M. Design to address weather patterns such as wind, precipitation, and temperature N. Increase site accessibility and safety for outdoor physical activity O. Mitigate noise through design strategies such as bufferingP. Implement underground utilities Q. Create a soil management plan

SITE DESIGN

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL IMPACT

COMMUNITY & SOCIAL IMPACTA. Involve community leaders, business owners, citizens, and special interest groups in the design

process to empower and instill a sense of long-term responsibility B. Plan spaces that can host programmed community events and foster social interaction among

residents and visitorsC. Create solutions that address social justice and social equityD. Measure reductions in crimeE. Consider affordability and diversity in product offerings and programmed usesF. Use appropriate forms of media to communicate with stakeholders G. Institute a community recycling programH. Enrich overall solutions through inclusion of cultural facilities and the arts

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

A. Use native, non-invasive plant species B. Identify and design landscape for site specific micro-climatesC. Calculate carbon sequestration of additive vegetationD. Implement an effective tree program for streets and parksE. Incorporate green roofs F. Reuse or recycle vegetation, rocks, and on-site soil

LANDSCAPE DESIGN

PLACE-BASED DESIGN

A. Incorporate cultural influences from within the regionB. Provide a scenic quality assessmentC. Collaborate with local artists and incorporate local art D. Provide views of and contact with the natural environment for mental restorationE. Strengthen exposure to natural light, air, scenic views, and natural materialsF. Offer spaces that allow users to escape the sun and take advantage of shade by

providing vegetation or covered areasG. Preserve historic landscapes and architectureH. Preserve landmarks, archaeological elements, and places of significanceI. Incorporate natural assets and community assetsJ. Create human scale where neededK. Incorporate biophilic-based design solutions

PLACE-BASED DESIGN

OPERATIONS

A. Design and implement a user education programB. Prepare site maintenance standards/guidelines focused on sustainability goals and objectivesC. Institute a post occupancy monitoring programD. Promote the use of fuel-efficient vehicles and maintenance equipmentE. Create a solid waste management strategy that includes recycling and compostingF. Integrate a pest management plan that minimizes chemical use

OPERATIONS

EDUCATION

A. Promote awareness through interpretive signage, exhibits, and education programsB. Incorporate programming for continuing community education for all agesC. Create incentives for residents to participate in conservation efforts by reducing

their own energy/water consumption

EDUCATION

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

A. Create a construction waste management plan that focuses on recycling of construction and demolition materials

B. Minimize construction impacts by controlling and retaining construction pollutantsC. Minimize erosion and restore disturbed soils during construction D. Minimize greenhouse gas emissions and localized air pollutants during construction

and ongoing maintenance activities

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

TRANSPORTATION

A. Provide convenient access to public transitB. Provide charging stations for electric vehicles C. Provide preferred parking for carpool and low emission, fuel-efficient vehiclesD. Plan for alternative transit modes such as shuttles, car-share, and bike-shareE. Use electric carts or vehicles as primary means of transportation (solar powered if possible)F. Provide bicycle storage and changing rooms with showersG. Reduce parking footprint by challenging local standardsH. Plan for shared parking strategies to reduce the parking footprint

TRANSPORTATION

ECONOMIC IMPACT

ECONOMIC IMPACTA. Measure increases in visitor spending, sales, demand, absorption pace, and occupancyB. Measure increases in jobs/employment C. Measure increases in tourismD. Measure increases in property valuesE. Measure grants, fiscal incentives, and philanthropic related funding sourcesF. Measure increases in capital investment in the areaG. Calculate value of on-site energy productionH. Calculate value of carbon offsets I. Assess the cost savings for using green/smart infrastructure in place of conventional infrastructureJ. Assess the economic value/benefits of landscape performanceK. Assess the economic value/benefits of ecosystem services L. Assess the economic value/benefits of natural hazard mitigation

MATERIALS

MATERIALSA. Repurpose existing site structures and materials B. Use local stone for both architectural face and exterior pavingC. Source locally available materialsD. Source materials that are cradle to cradle certified, rapidly renewable, or made with recycled contentE. Eliminate the use of wood from threatened tree species F. Source materials that are manufactured with sustainable production practicesG. Reduce VOC emissions by lowering or eliminating use of hazardous adhesives, sealants, paints,

coatings, and similar materials H. Use durable materials to reduce life cycle costsI. Substitute alternate materials for structural concrete

ECOSYSTEMS

ECOSYSTEMS A. Protect, preserve, and restore species habitats and native plant communitiesB. Minimize habitat fragmentation and connect habitat islands with green corridorsC. Quantify preserved tree canopyD. Create protection zones for animalsE. Protect and avoid developing within floodplainsF. Institute interventions that maintain or increase biodiversity levels G. Create long-term conservation easements and management plans for habitats and/or wetlandsH. Identify, eradicate, or manage invasive plants found on site

ENERGY

A. Consider on-site renewable energy sources (i.e., solar, wind, geothermal, wave)B. Lower building energy use through proper solar and wind orientationC. Measure reduced energy consumption for all landscape and exterior operationsD. Use vegetation to minimize building heating and cooling requirementsE. Capture heat by-product of electricity production and use to heat water, pools, and HVAC

ENERGY

COASTAL RESILIENCY

A. Utilize best-available climate scienceB. Adapt to changes in conditions and results of storm eventsC. Assess risk across multiple scenariosD. Address economic and social vulnerabilitiesE. Involve the stakeholders - “we are all in together”F. Identify high hazards areasG. Incorporate and enhance natural ecosystems elementsH. Design infrastructure with secondary benefitsI. Provide safe public access to coastal resourcesJ. Preserve utility, connectivity, and emergency services during disaster eventsK. Document project performance through planned monitoring

COASTAL RESILIENCY

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