N
Community
sports facilities, play structures, turf areas, rooftop gardens, community gardens, or other outdoor spaces that encourage interaction and spontaneous gathering.
Outside areas that discourage foot traffic( such as decorative landscaping or swimming pools) do not qualify for this measure. Areas that do not allow for gathering without obstructing pathways do not qualify for this measure.
For sites with 50 dwelling units per acre and between 25 and 50 square feet per unit of usable outdoor gathering space, the site must include natural elements as part of any gathering space. The natural elements needs to offer diversity and be of a significant size and effect. The outdoor gathering places with natural elements must be effecting on the occupants( for example, facing or being within the common areas that allow for sitting and interacting). Examples of natural elements include( but are not limited to) planter boxes, water features, walkable green roofs, and trees.
N4.2. Public Outdoor Gathering Places with Direct Access to Tier 1 Community Services( 1 Point)
One point will be awarded for designs with short pathways or adjacent designs that provide direct access between the project’ s outdoor gathering spaces and at least two Tier 1 community services. Tier 1 community services are defined in measure N3.1,“ Pedestrian Access to Services Within ½ Mile of Community Services( up to 2 points),” on page 93.
To qualify as direct access, the design must feature a close, clear, welcoming, easily accessible, visual, and physical and psychological linkage and connection. Such a design provides active interaction between the project residence and neighboring residents, and connects the project to the community. A project’ s social gathering places are safer and busier if they adjoin uses or buildings that can“ spill out” into the space and provide eyes on the areas.
For example, a Tier 1community service such as a restaurant, café, or community center that adjoins a project’ s plaza can use some of the outdoor space for outdoor dining or programming, and vice versa. This type of design provides a degree of surveillance of the space due to the increased activity. The most successful plazas have active uses rather than just residential uses along their edges.
VERIFICATION
Field Verification: The Rater will complete field verification at completion of the project and take representative photos of the open space.
Documentation: The Rater will verify that plans include the appropriate amount of outdoor gathering space, or verify that plans include direct access to community services from outdoor gathering spaces and complete field compliance verification as appropriate.
INTENT
DRAFT
To create a design that includes outdoor common areas that are accessible and available to all occupants. To plant natural features in the outdoor areas to create a more welcoming feeling and greater aesthetic appeal. To design conduits to community services in the most common outdoor spaces.
DRAFT GreenPoint Rated New Home Rating Manual Version 6.0, September 2013 97 © Build It Green