HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-21-17 Public Comment - B. Titinger (AIA Montana) UDC Update Design StandardsFrom:Ben Tintinger
To:Agenda
Cc:Brad Doll; rpertzborn@intrinsikarchitecture.com
Subject:Letter to Commissioners for AIA Montana
Date:Monday, August 21, 2017 12:32:41 PM
Attachments:Montana AIA Letter to the Bozeman City Commission.pdf
Please see the attached letter from AIA Montana concerning the adoption of the new UDC in
Bozeman.
Thank you,
Ben
ben tintinger, aiaPresident, AIA Montana
406-449-2013 p.o. box 20996 | billings mt | 59104www.aia-mt.org
August 19, 2017
RE: UDC Revisions – City of Bozeman Design Standards
Dear City Commissioners of Bozeman,
I am writing this letter in support of the architectural community in Bozeman and their pursuit of input
in defining the design standards for your community. As you know, Bozeman is a special place, growing
quickly in the last few decades from a simple cowboy and university town to one of nations premier
destination places in the country. As a byproduct, and through intention, the bar for good urban and
architectural design has been raised. Bozeman has one of the strongest design communities in the
country, complete with many architectural gems that have gained national attention. Through a unique
‘funkiness’ and a western sophistication born by local architects who push the boundaries of material
use, form, scale and proportion, Bozeman can readily claim to be the architectural center of the region.
I sincerely hope that the City of Bozeman will recognize this contribution from the city’s architects and
listen to their concerns for implementing new design standards and regulation. Architects are trained to
be leaders, thinkers and problem solvers. Through their help, workable standards and review processes
can be realized that will not only satisfy the City’s intent for good design, but also gain a partner in
continuing Bozeman’s history and future as a forward thinking, design‐minded community.
Good design is defined by an understanding of scale, proportion, repetition, and detailing. The
manifestation of that ‘good design’ can take many shapes and looks as currently represented in
Bozeman. It would be a shame to limit that creativity in favor of a ‘sameness’ that’s not representative
of the history and culture of Bozeman.
I am excited to see so many local architects standing up and getting involved in this issue. The proposed
UDC changes have struck a chord within the design community that certainly can have positive
outcome. I urge the City to harness that energy and rely on your design professionals to help make the
new UDC a document that all can work with and set the standard for involving architects in policy
making.
Thank you for your consideration,
Ben Tintinger, AIA
President, Montana Chapter of AIA