historic, traditional and modern shopfronts

Shop windows

Much historic glass has been lost due to its fragility and the wholesale demolition of historic shopfronts. It is important that historic glass is retained and protected, apart from being quite rare, the imperfections and striations of  historic glass catch and reflect light with a brilliance not found in modern glass.

Where modern glass is to be replaced, the new glazing can provide security by being toughened or laminated. Glazing should be designed in proportion with the shopfront and building. Most remaining traditional shopfronts in Nottingham date from the mid 19th century onwards when the new technology of plate glass allowed for expansive shop windows, some with splendid curved glass, maximising the window display. Large scale glazing to first floor windows also becomes more common from the late 19th century and can provide excellent views in to and out of the space and additional display space for goods. In some cases historic glass is more likely to survive in a first floor window, which may have had less use and fewer alterations. Specialist glazing such as curved, stained, etched and leaded lights can be reinstated where wholly or partially lost and will enhance the palette of colours and textures. Opaque glass to the clerestory can be used to hide suspended ceilings, or even better ceilings can be set back from the shop window to allow more light and better views in to the shop.

Shop window displays are a traditional feature and attractive displays are encouraged. Virtual technology, holograms, smellscape design and  app stations can be integrated with careful consideration to provide active shopfronts.

Details

Details to traditional shopfronts in historic buildings should be informed by historical evidence, such as historic images/plans of the building or other shopfronts in Nottingham of the appropriate period and architectural style. Some of the details found in shopfronts are illustrated in elements of a shopfront.

Details can be exquisite when they are of the highest quality but they can also detract from the design if they are not, or if these are not maintained and cleaned regularly. Ideally shopfronts should be installed by appropriately qualified contractors and management plans will ensure proper maintenance. When details are not appropriate or of poor quality, the entire building and the streetscape are compromised.

Technical Quality

• Signs - Signs are an opportunity for diversity and creativity however, extra care should be taken to maintain or enhance the character of historic buildings. A common detractor is the inappropriate use of large fascias and huge disproportionate signs. An appropriately proportioned fascia should result in signs that are designed in proportion with the shopfront and parent building. Whether signs are traditional or provide a modern contrast, it is important to understand and assess the colour palette and textures of the historic building and surrounding area prior to exploring design options. Consider the cumulative impact of the sign and any resulting clutter. Ideally historic signs should be restored as part of the design or carefully conserved behind new signs.

• Lighting - Discrete external illumination may be possible, the intensity of illumination must not be excessive and the method of illumination should be carefully designed into the sign zone and without damage to the historic fabric.

• Security - In many cases toughened and laminated glass over 10mm provides the security required by shop owners. Other discrete solutions include the use of, transoms, mullions, pilasters and stallrisers. Additional security options such as security gates or internally fitted security grilles may be considered on a case by case basis if strong justification is made. Ideally all security measures should maintain or enhance the historic shopfronts, not dominate them and should be carefully incorporated into the overall design. Extra care shall be applied to shutters on listed buildings and within conservation areas.

• Canopies - Fabric canopies are a traditional feature and can be repaired, reused or reinstated where they have been lost. Canopy boxes should be recessed and integral to the shopfront design. Canopies provide shelter from the sun and rain for customers and add to the street scene therefore their use is encouraged.

• Ventilation - Natural ventilation will reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, lowering energy consumption and costs. It can also add attractive detailing to shopfronts when traditional styles and materials are used. Traditionally different methods of ventilation worked together to create airflow, such as through window head ventilators, grills in stall riser, opening top lights and fanlights. Grills were plain or decorative and made of timber or metal.

• Access - The often wider and deeper entrances of historic shopfronts improve access, providing more space and  allowing for ramped entrances. Stall risers and traditional decorative finishes to entrance floors increase legibility and kick plates protect the base of the door.  A traditional-style light could be hung in the recess. All these features should be integral to the design and will add to the experience of shoppers and visitors, who will feel welcome and safe. Historic tiled entrances often survive and provide a distinctive and pleasing aspect to a shopfront. Well designed gates can prevent access to recessed doorways when the shop is closed.