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David, I partly agree with your view of HPO recommendations to the HPRB. But you also downplay the level of consistency achieved and the challenges facing the HPO. There are two levels of analysis. One includes the basic Dept. of Interior guidelines that evaluate the gross aspects of a design...is mass, setbacks, scale, height, etc. in the ballpark with the original structure? The second measure is where the problems begin. The design proposal should represent or at least not conflict with the characteristics of HD. Unfortunately, the HPO has not been able to develop the significant design aspects for each DC HD. Absent those clearly stated guidelines it can appear that there is no precedent and that each proposal is judged in a vacuum. In my experience as ANC commissioner with 2 HDs within borders HPO recommendations have been evolving but the reasons for the evolution are not always clear. It's very important that residents understand early and thoroughly what is compatible and what probably would not be compatible in their HD. It's one thing to grasp the basic scale and mass issues but much harder to understand what design aspects distinguish your HD from another HD and what features your house should preserve and which ones are less critical. Design is by its nature subjective, but there is more the city can do to enlighten us with the principles that will be applied to design proposals in each HD. So I agree that more emphasis should be in work plan to develop more comprehensive design guidelines.

Another very important factor that shouldn't be ignored is the superb staff advice that HPO provides to homeowners and architects on how to develop designs in HDs. While the "rules" may be lacking and in some cases lagging behind contemporary design features, the staff is talented,accessible,and experienced and seem to always improve projects.

Nancy

by Nancy on Jul 31, 2012 11:16 am • link • report