HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-02-2017 - Brodie51 -LI /7
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We have recently noticed that black and middle gray buildings are J
sprouting up all over San Luis Obispo. We are particularly concerned
as fashion (unless it's clothing which has a short life span) should not
play a role in the built environment.
We are architects and former architecture professors who have had
an association with San Luis Obispo over the years. We would like to
put forth a number of arguments opposing the use of black and middle
gray on buildings particularly in downtown San Luis Obispo.
1. Black and middle gray look out of place in the context of downtown
San Luis Obispo. Architects should adhere to our Community
Design Guidelines and use color creatively, exploring subtle
variations on the existing, predominantly light color palette.
2. Climate change will demand much lighter colors for the following
reasons:
a) Dark colors absorb and hold heat requiring cooling systems,
systems that can increase our carbon footprint.
b) The reduced amount of reflective light demands more
exterior and interior artificial lighting, again increasing our
carbon footprint.
3. Darker street spaces increase security concerns and discourage
the use of these spaces, particularly at night.
4. Darker colors and dimly lit spaces contribute to psychological
depression. In western cultures the color black generally connotes
fear and anger. The color white generally connotes happiness and
purity (International Color Association [AIC] Study Group on
Environmental Color Design [ECD], 2011).
5. Dimly lit spaces contribute to accidents.
6. Black and middle gray buildings further decrease available light
during the winter months when there are already fewer daylight
hours.
7. Dark pigmentation creates heat islands making our streets
unpleasantly hot in the summer months and this is compounded
by the fact that summer temperatures are rising precipitously.
It may be useful to look at examples of black and middle gray
buildings here in San Luis Obispo and elsewhere:
A. Railroad Square neighborhood
B. Broad Street neighborhood
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Sincerely,
David Brodie
Allan Cooper
Sandra Lakeman
Jim Montero
Judy Rowe
Elbert Speidel
Mary White