Climatic Responses - Galleries, Porches, Loggias, etc...

1. Supported on wooden or iron columns.

2. Provides protection from the elements and permits ventilation during rains.

3. The Gallery or Veranda is usually an extension of living space although sometimes used as a means of circulation as well.

4. The "gallery" can be covered with a roof or not covered, while the "veranda" is always covered.

5. Both galleries and verandas are usually associated with architectural treatments from 1850 and later.

1. Cantilevered off building

2. Usually not over four feet in width from the building face to the outer edge.

3. Supports are usually of wrought iron when on the front of pre 1880 buildings.

4. Supports are usually of wood when on the rear of buildings and on service buildings and on the front of post 1880 buildings.

5. Smaller balconies, sometimes called "basket balconies", are often on third floors of buildings dating from before 1835.

Porches are usually partially or totally covered with a roof and always constructed of wood decking, beams, etc. resting on masonry foundations. Porches are rarely found on buildings predating the mid 1870's.

1. Earlier (before 1840)-Overhangs are usually short, cantilevered extensions from the roof, supported by metal outriggers, wood purlins and covered with seamed, metal roofing. A few early overhangs are framed in wood and extend from the wooden roof trusses or rafters.

2. 1840-1860's-Overhangs are usually extensions of roof rafters. These overhangs have a finished wood soffit. Sometimes, there is a change in pitch toward the lower end of the roof, with the pitch flattening out.

3. Victorian (after 1870)-These later overhangs are usually boxed-in designs with wood panels, brackets and other "gingerbread" trim.

1. Vents on buildings allowed air to flow under the raised wooden first floor to reduce dampness and discourage termites. Early vents were created with simple vertical bars or openings in brick patterns. After 1850, cast iron vents of a more decorative nature were used.

2. Vents were used to ventilate attic spaces and decorate soffits of roof overhangs. Sheet metal attic vents, some cylindrical with ornate caps on roof ridges and triangular louvered type on roof slopes, are usually only found on late 19th and early 20th century buildings.

Historically, shutters have been a primary climatic response against wind driven rain and sun. Louvered shutters also provide required ventilation. Early shutters (1730's-1820's) were always solid, not louvered, and many shutters on early buildings that presently have fixed louvers were originally solid shutters, which had their upper panels removed and replaced with framed panels of fixed louvers. Early examples of shutters shall not be removed or modified. The practice of cutting existing shutters into sections is prohibited.

In Creole style houses, the loggia is a key architectural element. A loggia is defined as "an open, arcaded area", usually on the first floor at the end of a passageway or porte-cochere in Creole townhouses and at the center rear of Creole cottages. It is often the area where the stair to the upper floors is located. Loggias were always covered (under the main roof) and were traditionally open, while the areas directly above them on the upper floors of Creole townhouses were often shuttered or glazed. Loggias which have not been enclosed shall remain open.

Awnings were used primarily on first floors to provide protection from the elements. Awnings must hang within masonry openings and not obscure architectural details. Fixed (non-retractable) awnings are strongly discouraged. All applications for fixed awnings must be approved by the Commission's Architectural Committee.

Awnings for use as sun and rain protection are generally acceptable, while awnings proposed for advertising or contrived decorative uses are prohibited. Awnings shall not be erected from under balconies. They may be permitted only where other protection from the weather cannot be provided.

1. The following types of awnings are acceptable for types of openings indicated:

   1. California Type (rope pull), sides not closed:Single opening-square headed window or door.

   2. Circle or Quarter Sphere Awning (rope pull). must follow contour of opening: Single opening-arch head window or door. Awning must be a minimum of nine (9) feet above the sidewalk.

   3. Drop (roll-up) Awning, minimum height above sidewalk is 6'8", hung from curb edge of gallery.

      1. Separate awnings between column bays-each awning must be consistent in color, material and other details.

      2. Single awnings covering multiple bays.

   4. Gable end awnings and barrel types are not recommended as they are fixed.

2. Advertising

   Signs applied to awnings shall conform to City Code. Therefore, awning signs cannot be used in addition to other permitted signs.

3. Material

   Canvas or glass fiber fabrics are acceptable materials in solid colors or vertical stripes of traditional hues. Slat awnings of basswood, metal, cloth or other materials are prohibited.

4. Prohibitions

   1. Awnings which cover required open space areas.

   2. Valence, skirt or fringe type awnings.

Awnings which have been constructed contrary to the above guidelines and have existed for more than two years may be repaired only in the following circumstances:

1. Awnings on front of buildings where only the fabric must be replaced or where the metal frame has been damaged by fire or act of God.

2. Where awnings cover required open space-if deteriorated, no more than 50 percent of the fabric covering may be repaired within a year's period. The entire cover cannot be replaced unless destroyed by fire or act of God.

3. Under no circumstances may valence awnings be repaired or replaced.

Transoms over doors have historically provided additional light and ventilation to interior spaces and passageways. Transoms located above doors or gates which open onto exterior passageways or porte-cocheres are often left open with a grille or vertical metal bars.

Port-cocheres or carriageways are an integral feature of Creole townhouse architecture. The carriageway was an open area leading from the street to the loggia or courtyard areas of residences and commercial/residences. It was a valid climatic response, since it was open for ventilation, yet covered for protection from the elements. Existing porte-cocheres which have not been enclosed shall remain open.

Passageways are similar to porte-cocheres but served as exterior hallways from the street to loggias or courtyards for pedestrian use. They were always open and provided ventilation and protection from the elements. Existing passageways which have not been enclosed shall remain open.

These devices serve to conduct rain water from roofs down to sidewalk level. They were decorative as well as functional. Downspouts shall be tied into storm drains. Properly located cleanouts are encouraged. Complicated or unsightly arrangements of downspouts are unacceptable. Snake mouth spouts for draining gallery roofs are to be retained.

The size, scale, proportion and placement of openings in historic architecture are direct results of a need to provide good air circulation and to provide for a fine quality of light to interior spaces.