Shopfront
Design Guide
Improving design quality through Placemaking
Conservation of existing historic features is a priority. Reinstatement of lost historic features most often results in the best design. However, good contemporary design is also encouraged if existing historic features are maintained.
Shopfront Design Criteria
1. Composition & proportions
All of the components of the design need to work together alongside the parent building to create a coherent result. Proportions are dimensions of the shopfront, and how they relate to each other and to the parent building.
2. Palette & textures
Relating the proposal to the colours already existing in the setting/context and how these might appear at different times of the day and with changing seasons. It also refers to relating the proposal to the range of porosities and patterns that already exist in the setting and context.
3. Materials
The choice of materials, their quality and appropriateness, and how these relate to the setting and context. The use of sustainable materials is preferable.
4. Shop windows
Glazing needs to be in proportion with the shopfront and can also be used in different ways to add interest to a design.
5. Architectural & decorative details
Management of architectural and decorative details, their quality and appropriateness, and how these relate to the setting and context.
6. Technical quality - signs, lighting, security, canopies, ventilation & access
Technical details should be carefully considered components of the design, not an afterthought.