AESTHETIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE DESIGN OF ELEVATED TRANSPORTATION STRUCTURES

This report addresses issues related to assessing or anticipating visual impacts of elevated transportation structures upon urban settings. Two alternative approaches are outlined for assessing negative impacts of elevated structures upon different settings. The compatibility matrix approach cross-references characteristics of an existing or proposed structure with features of a particular setting to identify conflicts. The case study approach graphically portrays each setting with and without the existing or proposed structure in place to illustrate comparative changes (impacts). Nine hypothetical case studies are presented as examples. Various considerations of ways to improve existing elevated transportation structures are offered, including general restoration noise control and lighting. Considerations are also offered for ways to improve the conditions of elevated train stations and pedestrian skyways. Recommendations for planning new elevated structures are presented.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • Prepared in cooperation with Illinois Univ. at Urbana-Champaign. Dept. of Industrial Engineering.
• Corporate Authors:

  University of Illinois, Chicago

  Department of Materials Engineering
  Chicago, IL  United States  60680

  University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

  Department of Industrial Design
  Urbana, IL  United States  61801

  Department of Transportation

  Office of University Research, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Authors:
  • SILVER, M L
  • Bell, L S
• Publication Date: 1975-6-30

Media Info

• Pagination: 134 p.

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aesthetics; City planning; Elevated structures; Environmental impacts; Improvements; Lighting equipment; Noise control; Pedestrians; Rail transit stations; Railroad bridges; Railroad stations; Rapid transit; Recommendations; Structural design; Transportation planning; Urban transportation
• Uncontrolled Terms: Noise reduction
• Old TRIS Terms: Esthetic properties
• Subject Areas: Construction; Environment; Pedestrians and Bicyclists; Public Transportation; Research; Terminals and Facilities;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00151216
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: National Technical Information Service
• Report/Paper Numbers: DOT/TST-76/16 Final Rpt.
• Contract Numbers: DOT-OS-30092
• Files: NTIS, TRIS, USDOT
• Created Date: Apr 13 1981 12:00AM