Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council
Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council
Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council
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RESPECTING THE TRADITIONAL SHOPFRONT<br />
Existing shopfronts in <strong>Swords</strong> are based upon a series of principles that are<br />
successful in achieving a suitable relationship between the shopfront and the<br />
elevation as a whole. Key features of the traditional shopfront are outlined below:<br />
Fascia<br />
The fascia provides the principal space for the name of the shop/business. Best<br />
practice states that fascias should not be greater than 1/5th of the height of the<br />
shopfront (cornice to floor).The fascia should contain only the name of the<br />
business, and the street number, and should not extend uninterrupted across a<br />
number of buildings.<br />
Cornice<br />
Above the fascia is a cornice, a projecting decorative moulding to give a visual cap.<br />
Pilasters<br />
Pilasters are the vertical columns built into traditional shopfronts that are used<br />
to define the width of a shop. The pilasters visually support the fascia and give<br />
vertical rhythm.<br />
Corbels<br />
These contain the fascia by being placed at either end, sitting above the pilaster.<br />
They are a key feature of traditional shopfronts. Modern equivalents used<br />
throughout <strong>Swords</strong> can appear over simplistic or crude.<br />
Windows and Doors<br />
Excessively large unbroken areas of glass should be avoided, in favour of<br />
vertically subdivided areas. Recessed entrances can help to overcome the scale<br />
of window panes. Doors can be located in the centre of the shopfront or adjacent<br />
to one of the pilasters.<br />
Modern Shopfronts<br />
In the case of modern shopfronts, creative interpretation of the traditional<br />
shopfront design principles (as set out above) will be encouraged. The creation<br />
of innovative shopfront designs, where they generate visual interest, while not<br />
detracting from the property, or Main Street generally, will be supported.<br />
S W O R D S M A S T E R P L A N<br />
Fascia Cornice Pilasters<br />
Corbels Sill Sill<br />
Elements of a traditional shopfront A modern interpretation of a traditional shopfront<br />
Examples of Modern Shopfronts:<br />
3 4<br />
Fascia Cornice<br />
Pilasters