1. TOWER & PODIUM

The Tower & Podium building typology is a commercial or residential tower constructed over a multi-level, mixed-use podium structure. On large lots, tower height ranges from eight to 40 or more stories with residential and/or commercial uses. A three- to seven-story podium base typically contains retail, residential, recreational, building lobby space, or some combination of these uses.

The tower’s scale and density are mitigated by façade setbacks and building articulation. The podium is designed to be of pedestrian scale with a high degree of ground floor transparency. Exposed portions of any structured parking provided in the podium base are wrapped by residential floors or retail development, or screened from view by landscaping or decorative mesh.

The Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone includes flood-resistant landscaping, pedestrian amenities, shade structures, and paths for use by the building tenants and the general public. The Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone page includes additional design scenarios that supplement this building typology.

The building is typically located along a high-volume “complete street” that provides equitable access to the development and balances transport modes, with emphasis on active mobility, including walking and bicycling.

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Key Climate Resilient Design Guidelines

1. Provide amenity-rich Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone, which includes saltwater tolerant plantings, flood damage-resistant landscape materials, and green infrastructure.

2. Provide shade structures in the Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone and wide tree canopy in the planter strip zone between the road and sidewalk.

3. Provide sustainable roof systems, such as blue-green roofs, energy producing roofs, and reflective roofs. These systems can mitigate heat island effect; capture, treat, provide on-site reuse, and release stormwater; generate solar energy; and provide space for urban gardening and tenant amenities.

4. Locate critical systems above Base Flood Elevation (BFE) or Design Flood Elevation (DFE), on roof and/or on intermediate floors, including heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) and power generators.

Sources:

1. Studio DWG. “Pedestrian Pocket Patio”. Austin, TX.
2. Asla.org. Urban Grove at Central Harf Plaza, Boston, Charles Mayer Photography.
3. Unknown. “Rooftop Garden”. Singapore.
4. www.thomasnet.com/insights/how-cities-are-drivinggrowth-in-the-green-roofing-market

See the Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone page for supplemental designs.

Resilient Streetscape Transition Zone Detail

1. Bike lane

2. Transitional planter

3. Tree lawn

4. Street furniture

5. Active ground floor use

6. Raised ground floor

7. Supporting infrastructure

All Resilient Transition Zones must be ADA compliant