MIL-HDBK-1036A
4.16 Visual Enhancement. Plantings made for utilitarian purposes, such as screening service areas or shading, will simultaneously improve the attractiveness and enhance the livability of an area. The use of shrubs and small trees arranged in strategic groups around a building improves the appearance by softening structural lines. This also helps in integrating the building with its site and diverting attention
from unattractive structural features. Screen unattractive views or objects identified by the site analysis with appropriate plant material to obscure their negative impacts. Examples of
screening needs include trash dumpster areas, pad-mounted electrical transformers, parking areas, and mechanical yards. While plant materials can be used solely for screening purposes, a combination of plant and architectural materials offers an ideal solution to screening needs. Landforms coupled with plant materials will provide an immediate effect while waiting for the plant materials to mature. Skillful use of plant materials around buildings, along walkways, and around parking areas significantly increases the energy efficiency of buildings and reduces the ambient air temperature around the bachelor housing project. By intercepting the direct and reflected radiation, plant materials control the absorption of heat energy by the building and parking areas.
4.16.1 Wind Control. Use plants as wind control devices by breaking, guiding, deflecting, or filtering the wind. Knowledge of the direction and speed of prevailing winds at different seasons of the year is necessary. The most effective density is a screen of approximately 60 percent. Irregular forms provide a
more effective windbreak than evenly spaced plants. A variety of plant species and sizes also provides a better windbreak than one consisting of one species. For climates where occasional to frequent snow accumulation occurs, consider how wind affects snow drift.
4.16.2 Spatial Articulation. Use plants to create enclosed spaces and to separate spaces one from another. Also use plants to direct people through outdoor spaces by visually defining and reinforcing patterns of movement. The degree of enclosure, separation, or movement depends upon the density, form, and type of plants used, keeping in mind deciduous plants vary with the season, whereas most evergreen trees do not.
4.17 Landscape Maintenance. Provide landscape establishment and maintenance within the initial contract for installation of plant materials. The duration of the establishment period should be one year in all cases and should not be included as a contract
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