Swords Masterplan - Fingal County Council

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