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APPENDIX 4
DESIGN GUIDELINES
A.4.0 DESIGN GUIDELINES A . 4 .1
P E D E S T R I A N / B I K E PAT H S
A.4.2
V E H I C U L A R C I R C U L AT I O N
A.4.3
MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE
A.4.4
ARCHITECTURE + DEVELOPMENT
A.4.5
UTILITIES
B . 4 .1
PROVIDENCIALES
B.4.2
NORTH CAICOS
B.4.3
MIDDLE CAICOS
B.4.4
SOUTH CAICOS
B.4.5
GRAND TURK
B.4.6
S A LT C A Y
B . 4 .7
OTHER
C . 4 .1
SIGNAGE
C.4.2
M AT E R I A L S + T Y P I C A L F U R N I S H I N G S
C.4.3
LANDSCAPE
A4.0- DESIGN GUIDELINES
WHY ARE GUIDELINES IMPORTANT? INTRODUCTION
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The recommendations in the following chapter are meant to guide the defining of identity and character within the Turks and Caicos. The charm of the archipelago is that there is a unique design character to each island, and within each island there are unique details in signage, architecture, materials, and other forms of a design language.
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The goal of this set of design guidelines is to provide a universal structure and system of design principals while allowing enough flexibility to mainain and enhance the islands existing character.
The first section looks at Country Design Standards. These catagories analyze the networks of circulation and development throughout the country and how they can be designed to follow accepted design standards that create safe and sustainable environments. Section two proposes guidelines for the Island Idenity for each of the main islands. While the Country Design Standards are still applicable, each island is unique and should be designed as such.
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COUNTRY DESIGN STANDARDS
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ISLAND IDENTITY
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The final section provides examples of site specific Elements of Design that can either tie back to a universal standard throughout archipelago, or can be unique to one island. This section further recommends that not all of these elements should not be uniform in nature in order to preserve the positive individual character of the island communities.
Note that the purpose of this document is to provide the Turks and Caicos Government with a set of design aesthetics that will help guide furture development, construction, and renovation throughout the country. Refer to the Development Manual and local codes for specific requirements.
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ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
A4.0- DESIGN GUIDELINES
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An island aesthetic that draws attention to history and culture of Turks and Caicos and is flexible enough that the islands don’t loose the character that makes them unique.
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A4.0- DESIGN GUIDELINES
SUMMARY OF DESIGN GUIDELINES COUNTRY DESIGN STANDARDS
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A.1 PEDESTRIAN / BIKE PATHS Standards and design principals for pedestrian circulation routes throughout all islands. A.2 VEHICULAR CIRCULATION Standards and design principals for vehicular circulation routes and parking throughout all islands.
A.3 MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE Standards and recommendations for docks, ferry terminals, canals, piers and bulkheads.
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A.4 ARCHITECTURE + DEVELOPMENT Standards and styles of new development and renovations. A.5 UTILITIES Standards and principals for utility infrastructure.
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• Power and Fuel • Water • Waste + Recycling • Communications • Stormwater [Best Management Practicies] • Location Guidelines
Note: Character imagery displayed thoughout the Design Guidelines was collected through online, web based searches, site visit photographs, and other collected imagery and is used to describe the overall design intent.
A4.0- DESIGN GUIDELINES
ISLAND IDENTITY
B.2 NORTH CAICOS B.3 MIDDLE CAICOS
B.6 SALT CAY B.7 OTHER
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B.4 SOUTH CAICOS
B.5 GRAND TURK
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B.1 PROVIDENCIALES
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ELEMENTS OF DESIGN
C.1 SIGNAGE Unique and standard signage elements.
C.2 MATERIALS + TYPICAL FURNISHINGS Typical site furnishings and local materials.
C.3 LANDSCAPE Sustainability and aesthetic plant pallette. C.4 LIGHTING Safety and Turtle Lighting
A 4 .1 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | P E D E S T R I A N / B I K E PA T H S
A.1 PEDESTRIAN / BIKE PATHS MULTI USE TRAILS
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TRAIL WIDTH / MATERIAL Trail widths will vary but should maintain a minimum of 8’ in width to allow for two bicyclists to pass each other comfortably. The pathway material should be an aggregate that is crushed and compacted to make use easy for walkers and bikers of all ages. Alternate materials may include asphalt or concrete where applicable.
SECTION TO BE INCLUDED HERE
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TYPICAL TRAILHEAD Trailheads should be well marked with signage and a map of the current location. Additional elements may include an information board, decorative seating, bathroom facilities, police call stations or unique planting that can help define the trails. Beach access points may include similar detailing or additional items such as decorative fences to enhance the character. SIGNAGE + TRAIL SPECIFIC DETAILS Directional signage with a consistant aesthetic can be used as wayfinding for the trail network. Other details such as mile marker posts, unique seating, or pathway edge conditions (coral stone or wooden planks) can be used as a repeated motif to help define these multi-use trails.
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TYP. TRAIL SECTION
ENLARGEMENT TO BE INCLUDED HERE
TRAILHEAD ENLARGEMENT
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A 4 .1 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | P E D E S T R I A N / B I K E PA T H S
WAYFINDING IS CRITICAL TO A TRAIL SYSTEM. SIGNAGE ELEMENTS AND DETAILING SHOULD DISTINGUISH THE BIKE + TRAIL NETWORK FROM FROM OTHER MEANS OF CIRCULATION.
A 4 .1 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | P E D E S T R I A N / B I K E PA T H S
A.1 PEDESTRIAN / BIKE PATHS CONT. BEACH ACCESS POINTS
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GATEWAY AESTHETIC / DUNE PROTECTION Beach access points may include similar detailing or additional items such as decorative fences to enhance the character. Primary dune vegetation should remain undisturbed to retain native aesthetic. Supplemental native beach planting can be used to frame gateways and beach entry.
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ADDITIONAL AMENITIES All structures should be set back from the dune vegetation dune line or iron shore. Structures may include shade canopies, bathroom facilities, sundry shops, or small seating and picnic areas.
DIAGRAM TO BE INCLUDED HERE
BEACH ENTRY DIAGRAM
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A 4 .1 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | P E D E S T R I A N / B I K E PA T H S
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY RESPONSIBILITY PUBLIC ACCESS Public Access must be maintained for 100% of the coastline in the Turks and Caicos islands. Beach portals should be designed to be visual cues for the public to aid in beach wayďŹ nding. PUBLIC PARKING Where required public parking should be located in close proximity to beach access points. Commercial property should ensure sufficient public parking is made available.
A 4 . 2 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | V E H I C U L A R C I R C U L AT I O N
A.2 VEHICULAR CIRCULATION Road construction should avoid large cut and fill, and follow the natural topography.
ROADWAYS
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SERVICE ROADS (30’ WITH 5’ SIDEWALK ZONE) Service roads can be gravel or compacted crushed aggregate. Plant material can be grown directly adjacent to the vehicular cooridor with the exception of site triangles. Roadway material should either per pervious or pitch to vegetated swales on either side of the road.
SECTION TO BE INCLUDED HERE TYP. DRIVEWAY SECTION
SECTION TO BE INCLUDED HERE
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LOCAL ROADS (30’ WITH 10’ SIDEWALK ZONE) Local roads can be either compacted crushed aggregate or a bituminous surface. Crosswalks should be clearly deliniated and can be an alternate paving material. Sidewalk can be adjacent to the roadway or separated by plant material. Planting should be offset from the roadway to allow for clear sight lines.
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SECONDARY ROADS (50’ WITH 11’ SIDEWALK ZONE) Secondary roads should asphalt and be clearly marked and painted. Vegetated swales should be installed on either side of the roads to deal with stormwater run-off where storm structures are not applicable. Sidwalk zone should be separated from roadway by vegetation or other buffer. Vegetation should be set back from the roadway for clear sight lines.
MAIN ROADS (75’ WITH 11’ SIDEWALK ZONE) Highways should be paved with asphalt or similar material that requires minimal maintenance. Main roads should be well lit with full cut-off lights and shields. Sidewalk zone should be separated from roadway by vegetation, fence, wall or other means of a safety buffer. Plant material should be installed in all medians.
TYP. DRIVEWAY SECTION
SECTION TO BE INCLUDED HERE TYP. DRIVEWAY SECTION
SECTION TO BE INCLUDED HERE
*Refer to Development Manual for roadway requirements. TYP. DRIVEWAY SECTION
A 4 . 2 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | V E H I C U L A R C I R C U L AT I O N
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GOOD LOOKING CRUSHED AGGREGATE DRIVEWAYDRIVEWAY
SAFETY IS THE MOST CRITICAL COMPONENT OF ANY ROADWAY DESIGN. ENSURE THAT ALL SIGNAGE, PAVEMENT MARKINGS, MATERIALS AND LAYOUT MEET INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
A 4 . 2 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | V E H I C U L A R C I R C U L AT I O N
A.2 VEHICULAR CIRCULATION CONT. PARKING LOTS
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PARKING LAYOUT All parking areas should be designed to acommodate ADA vehicles and provide accessible routes to the adjacent uses. Decorative lighting can be used for safety and security. Layout and geometry of parking lots can be found in the Turks and Caicos Design Manual. SCREENING Where applicable parking lots should be screened from adjacent property and roadways. Screening should include plant material, decorative fencing, accent walls or other items.
DIAGRAM TO BE INCLUDED HERE
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MATERIALS / PAVEMENT MARKINGS / DETAILING • Grass Lot: Concrete (or decorative) wheelstops, edges of grass spaces should be clearly defined.
VEHICLE USE AREA PARKING DIAGRAM
• Gravel Lot: Well compacted fill and aggregate, concrete or decorative wheelstops, concrete curbs. Internal lanscape islands should be included between parking bays.
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• Asphalt Lot: Concrete or decorative wheelstops, clearly defined spaces by white or yellow painted striping. Internal landscape islands should be included between parking bays.
VEHICULAR GATEWAYS
NEIGHBORHOOD / COMMERCIAL ENTRY Subdivisions should be marked by gateways or decorative signage. All markings and text should be visible from a vehicular standpoint as well as pedestrian.
DIAGRAM TO BE INCLUDED HERE GATEWAY ENLARGEMENT
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LIGHTING
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A 4 . 2 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | V E H I C U L A R C I R C U L AT I O N
PARKING LOTS SHOULD MAINTAIN A PEDESTRIAN SCALE AESTHETIC. THIS INCLUDES PLANT MATERIAL, SIGNAGE, DETAILING, FENCES, LIGHTING ETC.
A4.3- DESIGN GUIDELINES | MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE
A.3 MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE FERRY TERMINALS
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BATHROOMS / SUNDRY SHOPS Ferry terminals and public docks depending on size should have amenities accessible to the public. Small terminals may include a shaded seating area, sundry shop and ATM, where larger terminals may provide shops, restaurants and other retail components.
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CANALS Extensive vegetation should be planted along the edges of canals to improve the aesthetic and also the stability of the shoreline. Mangroves to be established in areas along waterways where edge treatment cannot be proposed.
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A4.3- DESIGN GUIDELINES | MARINE INFRASTRUCTURE
DOCKS + PIERS FINGER PIERS In residential applications, finger piers should be avoided to avoid impacting reefs or other aquatic habitats (Refer to Development Manual for additional information). Side tie day docks are recommended in public areas that run parallel to the shoreline or marina. Docks should be landscaped to reflect a natural aesthetic. SECURITY / BULKHEAD MATERIALS Large imposing gates for marinas should be limited. Natural landscape and pedestrian scale security measures should be used instead. Bulkheads at the edge of marinas should be reinforced concrete construction with decorative caps as needed.
A4.4- DESIGN GUIDELINES | ARCHITECTURE + DEVELOPMENT
A.4 ARCHITECTURE + DEVELOPMENT
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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES
A4.4- DESIGN GUIDELINES | ARCHITECTURE + DEVELOPMENT
ARCHITECTURAL STYLES
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British Colonial
Carribean Contemporary
Cultural / Environmental Tourism
A4.5- DESIGN GUIDELINES | UTILITIES
A.5 UTILITIES LESS VISIBLE UTILITIES
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Power and Fuel For any above ground power lines large trees and palms should be set back safe distances to avoid hat-racking in the utility pruning zone. Mature height of plant material under power lines should not impede required pruning zones.
Electrical panels and transformers should be hidden from view of pedestrians + vehicles with buffer planting, wall or other.
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Water + Sanitary Sewer Backow preventors should be screened from roadways and pedestrian pathways. Water and sanitary sewer lines should be located out of the roadway when possible.
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Communications Where undergrounding is not possible, data lines should be combined on power poles to avoid aerial clutter.
WASTE Trash + Recycling Dumpsters should be hidden from public view and located away and downwind from public areas. Standard trash cans for all public property should be established to create a universal aesthetic. Recycling bins can be combined with trash cans as applicable. This standard bin will make it clear to tourists and residents where to locate waste. Lift Stations Lift stations should be located away from public areas and residences. Measures should be taken to avoid odor by enclosing or covering the station and well.
A4.5- DESIGN GUIDELINES | UTILITIES
STORMWATER (BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES)
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Retention In order to capture runoff from paved surfaces, swales are recommended along the edges of roads and parking lots. Culverts and concrete channels should be avoided as they are aesthetically unappealing and create additional impervious surface and problems downstream. Filtering Pollutants In addition to being aesthecially appealing, swales and bioretention areas are able to clean surface runoff prior to being directed back into the ocean. Plant material can be used to clean pollutants out of the water.
SWALES SHOULD BE PLANTED WITH NATIVE VEGETATION
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THAT CAN GROW WELL IN DRY AND SATURATED SOILS.
LOCATION GUIDELINES
Data and Power Lines Data and power lines should be located underground whenever possible. Aerial lines detract from the natural beauty of the islands and can be damaged easily during storms.
Swales Depending on the crown of the road, swales should be located on one or both sides of the street. Where swales are not sufficient to handle the runoff, storm drains and associated piping should be located outside of the street carriageway.
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Underground water lines and duct banks should be installed out of the roadway and below easily removable and replacable landscape for ease of maintenance.
ILLUSTRATIVE SECTION TO BE INCLUDED HERE
B 4 .1 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | P R O V I D E N C I A L E S
PROVIDENCIALES
TURQUOISE WATERS + TOURISM
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“The color turquoise was chosen to represent the islands of Providenciales, Pine Cay and West Caicos. The color is taken from the beautiful turquoise waters that surround these islands on which our famous Caicos fishing sloops sail. These turquoise waters also contribute to our newest industry: Tourism.”
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Pristine and Comfortable The character of Providenciales is contemporary clean lines and a curated landscape. Restaurants, resorts and tourism development should appeal and cater to high income couples and families. Design should be focused on comfort and ease of accessibility while providing a wide variaty of amenities.
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Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Islands (www.visittci.com)”
B4.2- DESIGN GUIDELINES | NORTH CAICOS
NORTH CAICOS
FRUIT TREES + FERTILE ISLANDS
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“The color green was chosen to represent North Caicos and Parrot Cay. The color is taken from the fruit trees and other types of trees that flourish in the most fertile of all the islands. North Caicos is also home of Wade’s Green Plantation, the most successful of Caicos Islands cotton plantations.”
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Agriculturally Driven As a landscape of low stone walls and agricultural fields the identity of North Caicos is derived from farming and a slower pace. Any new development should remain small and have a “Bed and Breakfast” feel.
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Farm to table food can be implimented as a way to ensure agricultural practices remain active on the island, and promotes agri-tourism throughout the landscape. This quiet island has a simple bucolic aesthetic and new design should reflect that character.
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Credit: Adobe Stock
B4.3- DESIGN GUIDELINES | MIDDLE CAICOS
MIDDLE CAICOS
THATCH-WORK + MYSTERY
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“The color tan was chosen to represent Middle Caicos. The color is taken from the raw material (thatch) that once covered the roofs of the houses. It is also used to make straw hats, baskets and brooms. Middle Caicos is known for the superior quality of native craft work”
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Nature Tourism + Natural Landscape As the jewel of the Turks and Caicos, the character of this island should reflect natural Carribean landscape and “off-the-grid” nature + cultural based design. Development should remain small and fit within the topography of the island so that nature is preserved and highlighted. Trails and pathways should be minimalistic in design to meet the needs of bikers and hikers while not creating highways to hidden jems such as caves and beaches.
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos
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Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
B4.4- DESIGN GUIDELINES | SOUTH CAICOS
SOUTH CAICOS
SPINY LOBSTER + LOCAL FISHING
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“The color orange was chosen to represent South and East Caicos. The color comes from the spiny lobster and fish and reflects the fishing industry in the Big South.”
Quietly Colorful South Caicos is definened by quiet fishing villages. Colorful wooden boats and exposed stone walls become repeated characteristics.
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As these villages are reinvigorated they should expand on the colorful detailing and fishing culture.
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Islands (www.visittci.com)”
B4.5- DESIGN GUIDELINES | GRAND TURK
GRAND TURK
TURKS HEAD CACTUS
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“The color red was chosen to represent the nation’s capital, Grand Turk. The color is taken from the red/pink fruit found on the national plant, the Turks Head Cactus. They were once found in abundance on Grand Turk before they were removed to accommodate the salt ponds.”
Adventurous Aesthetic As one of the most active islands, Grand Turk caters to diving, fishing and other adventurous activities. This island’s character has a rustic feel and is the historical center of the Turks and Caicos.
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New development should match the historic aesthetic while providing new opportunities for tourism and locals alike.
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
B 4 . 6 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | S A LT C A Y
SALT CAY
SALT INDUSTRY
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“The color white was chosen to represent Salt Cay. The color came from salt. The salt industry was largely responsible for populating the islands of Salt Cay, Grand Turk, and South Caicos.”
Colonial History “The Island Time Forgot” has a rich history. The stuccoed colonial architecture, cut limestone block, and salina walls create an identity that is unique from the other islands.
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New design in this area should reflect the character and muted colors of the colonial architecture and pay homage to the detailing and history of the salt industry. New structures should feel as if they were constructed during the peak of activity on Salt Cay.
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Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Islands (www.visittci.com)”
B 4 .7 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | O T H E R C AY S
OTHER ISLAND + CAYS
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“The color yellow represents God’s glory as the sun shining down on all our islands and cays. The sun also contributes to our newest industry: tourism.” “The color pink was chosen to represent that beautiful conch shell, flamingos and the numerous uninhabited cays that make up our chain of islands.”
CONCH SHELL, FLAMINGOS + SUN
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Natural The uninhabited islands of the Turks and Caicos should remain as untouched as possible. These islands are destinations for locals and tourists to experience the country in its natural state.
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Without natural places within the archipelago the Turks and caicos looses its sense of pristine wonder.
Credit: Adobe Stock
YELLOW
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REPRESENTS THE SUN AND TOURISM INDUSTRY
PINK
REPRESENTS THE CONCH SHELL AND FLAMINGOS
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Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
Credit: “Agile LeVin - Visit Turks and Caicos Islands (www.visittci.com)”
C 4 .1 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | S I G N A G E
C.1 SIGNAGE WAYFINDING AND GATEWAYS
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Unique Character Signage should be unique and play to the identity of each establishment.
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Contempoary Accents Where applicable with newer development, contempoary and simplistic signage can be used. All signage should be durable in a coastal environment and should tie back to the character of the Turks and Caicos through materiality, color, graphics or fonts.
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C 4 . 2 - D E S I G N G U I D E L I N E S | M AT E R I A L S + T Y P I C A L F U R N I S H I N G S
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IDENTITY AND CHARACTER Public Realm Site furnishings are vital amenities within the public realm. They not only play an active functional role, but are responsible for creating idenitiy and unity between places. The materiality, shape and form of furnishings are essential in deďŹ ning the character of a location. Flexible Identity It is inportant for the Turks and Caicos to ceate a distinct set of design elements that unify all islands white allowing exibilty for each island to maintain its own individual character. These elements should be limited to the public realm to allow local businesses to brand themselves with local character.
C.2 MATERIALS + TYPICAL FURNISHINGS
C4.3- DESIGN GUIDELINES | LANDSCAPE
C.3 LANDSCAPE REFLECT NATIVE PLANTING AND AESTHETIC
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Native Species The majority of plant material should be native to the Turks and Caicos Islands. No introduced species should be planted anywhere on the islands, and non native plant material should be salt tolerant and require minimal or no irrigation. Maintenance In rural areas along roads and trails, all plant material should be maintained to a natural aesthetic or not at all.
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Within towns and settlements, planting can become more formal with hedges or shaded allĂŠe of trees.
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C4.4- DESIGN GUIDELINES | LIGHTING
SAFE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY Pedestrian Scale Lightpoles and bollards should be installed at a pedestrian scale along sidewalks, trails, public gathering spaces, beach portals and any other public areas (8-12’ in height). Lighting that is used for roadways and parking should be decorative in nature, avoiding industrial style (i.e. cobra head).
Sensitivity to Turtle Nesting Habitats When in close proximity to the shoreline, light sources in fixtures should not be visible on the beach. Full cut-off fixtures and shields are recommended along with Amber lights with wavelengths not visible to nesting turtles.
C.4 LIGHTING
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GOVERNMENT OF THE TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
NATIONAL PHYSICAL SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Draft National Physical Sustainable Development Plan - APPENDIX 29 JULY 2020