SITE PLANNING AND BUILDING LAYOUT

• A large- or medium-sized retail project must be erected as close as possible to a public thoroughfare. Depending on the circumstances, its parking lot must be located at the side of or behind the building or below ground, rather than in the front.

ARCHITECTURE

Architectural expression

• Facades must reflect the function of the building and, at the same time, harmonize with the characteristics of the surrounding urban fabric.
• The architectural expression of the building and its detailing, colours and materials must be coordinated on all of its facades in order to create a coherent and visually interesting image.
• The lateral and back walls visible from a public thoroughfare must be given careful consideration and present an architectural character that blends in with the main facade.
• Bright and intense colours must be used in moderation and reserved to highlight certain building details.
• The materials used must be chosen so as to ensure continuity of treatment and the finished appearance of the building.

Openings, entrances and exits

• The main facade of a building must offer a significant proportion of openings in order to contribute to the liveliness of the street or to the overall quality of the ensemble.
• The main entrance to each store must face or be visible from a public thoroughfare. Entrances must be designed and positioned in such a way as to be immediately recognizable.