Explanation and Examples
Paying attention to architectural characteristics of surrounding buildings, especially historic buildings, can help new buildings be more compatible with their neighbors, especially if a consistent pattern is already established by similar:

• building articulation
• building scale and proportion
• or complementary architecural style
• or complementary roof forms
• building details and fenestration patterns
• or complementary materials

Even where there is no consistent architectural pattern, building design and massing can be used to complement certain physical conditions of existing development.

In some cases, the existing context is not so well-defiend, or may be undersireable. In such cases, a well-design, new project can become a pioneer with the opportunity to establish a pattern or identity from which future development can take its cues.

Architectural Features
Below are several methods that can help integrate new buildings into the surrounding architectural context, using compatible:

• architectural features
• fenestration patterns, and
• building proportions.

Building Articulation
Below are several methods in which buildings may be articulated to create intervals which reflect and promote compaibility with their surroundings:

• modulating the facade by stepping back or extending forward a portion of the facade
• repititing the window patterns at an interval that equals the articulation interval
• providing a porch, patio, deck or covered entry for each interval
• providing a balcony or bay window for each interval
• changing the roofline by alternating dormers, stepped roofs, gables or other rood elements to reinforce the modulation or articulation interval
• changing the materials with a change in the building plane
• providing a lighting fixture, trellis, tree or other landscape feature with each interval