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of t 1i iiii iiiii s 1 g in iir'iiii in e s f o ii iiiii in ° in in iii G e iiri e ir a III3 ir liiii iiiiri c liiil IIII VIII e s °f o ir IM e w IIIIC °' e v e o Ip This section sets forth fundamental principles for improvements in the downtown. These principles are broad in nature, focusing on qualitative aspects of design. Each improvement project in downtown should help forward the goals outlined in the Introduction and should also comply with these fundamental design principles: 1. Honor the heritage of the city Buildings, sites and components of urban infrastructure that have historic significance should be preserved and considered as design inspiration for new work downtown. This does not mean copying earlier styles, but rather learning from them. New work around these resources should be compatible with them. 2. Celebrate Courthouse Square As the major focal point of downtown, Courthouse Square should be valued in all urban design. This applies to properties in close proximity to the square, but also relates to improvements that may link other places to it, in terms of views, pedestrian circulation and building orientation. 3. Design to fit with the context Improvement projects should consider their context. In some areas, that context remains strongly anchored by historic buildings. In other parts of downtown, the context is more contemporary, with individual historic buildings sometimes appearing as accents. In still other areas, no historic structures exist. In this respect, "designing in context" means helping to achieve the long term goals for each of these areas. 4. Promote creativity Innovation in design is welcomed in downtown. Exploring newways of designing buildings and spaces is appropriate when they contribute to a cohesive urban fabric. This type of creativity should be distinguished from simply being "different." 5. Design with authenticity Downtown is defined by buildings and places that reflect their own time, including distinct construction techniques as well as style. The result is a sense of authenticity in building and materials. All new improvements should convey this sense of authenticity. 6. Design with consistency Buildings and places in downtown that are highly valued are those which have a cohesive quality in their use of materials, organization of functions and overall design concept. Each new project should also embody a single, consistent design concept. 7. Design for durability Downtown's cherished buildings and spaces are designed for the long term with durable materials. New work should have this same quality. 8. Design for sustainability Aspects of cultural, economic and environmental sustainability that relate to urban design and compatibility should be woven into new developments and improvements.