← Design Priorities
Priority 05 of 06
Durability & Maintenance
Built to last through every Baltimore season.
A gateway has to perform on a humid August afternoon, in a January nor'easter, and ten years from now. Designs should be built to age well — and to be cared for by the agencies and partners that own them.
Why it matters
Public realm projects fail when maintenance isn't planned for. Durable materials and clear stewardship plans turn a one-time install into a generational asset.
What we're looking for
- Materials chosen for Baltimore's climate, traffic, and salt exposure
- Vandalism, graffiti, and wear considerations addressed up front
- Clear ownership and stewardship for each element
- Sustainable, low-carbon, and locally sourced choices where possible
Example moves
- Anti-graffiti coatings and replaceable panel systems
- Native plantings with established maintenance protocols
- LED lighting with documented driver and fixture replacement cycles
- Stainless, weathering steel, concrete, and other proven public-realm materials
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