During a building boom, Denver has tightened its codes and regulations on certain types of development, and the moves have widespread support, according to a Denver Post columnist.
Though developers worry that “forced beautification” slows progress and adds cost, and architects fear that standards restrict their creativity, the aesthetics of recent projects seem to have broad acceptance. For example, a large project in the Cherry Creek area is considered a fine model for future neighborhood development.
The project used “genuine” materials, created retail spaces that are lively and transparent to keep the visuals interesting, and public plazas were built to human scale common to a low-rise area.
Denver now has about 20 neighborhoods, including historic areas, and large developments where new projects face mandatory review by the planning department. Only about 15% of the city’s total land area is subject to these reviews, however. Developers say the reviews must be timely and conducted by qualified staff for them to be effective.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 29, 2019
Registration now open for LEED v4.1 for New Construction and Interior Spaces
Emphasizes human health and integrative building design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 25, 2019
AEC professionals should push for net zero projects
Educate and lead clients to more sustainable choices, says LEED fellow.
Codes and Standards | Jan 24, 2019
OSHA unaffected by federal government shutdown
Agency fully funded for first nine months of 2019.
Codes and Standards | Jan 23, 2019
Hackers can easily take control of construction cranes
Potential for serious harm is real, say researchers.
Codes and Standards | Jan 22, 2019
Initiative will introduce open-source software for commercial and public building retrofits
Energy analysis tool will identify energy efficiency opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jan 18, 2019
Texas city sues developer over changes in $1 billion mixed-use project
Revised plan eliminated 8-acre lagoon, trolley, show fountain, and reduced retail space.
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2019
First resilience benchmarks for U.S. communities released
Provides way to evaluate current state of resilience and guidance for areas of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2019
California mass timber building competition kicks off January 15
Competition will award $500,000 in grants to teams who design innovative buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2019
Hazard mitigation provisions in codes save lives and protect property
New NIBS study finds that adopting 2018 Intl. Codes generate $11 benefit for every $1 invested.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2019
Ontario building first to achieve zero-carbon designation by Canada GBC
Geothermal heating, living wall among notable features.
