CONTEXT-SENSITIVE DESIGN, INCLUDING AESTHETICS AND VISUAL QUALITY: RESOURCE PAPER

The issues of context-sensitive design (CSD) are most closely associated with the environment, safety, and geometric design. However, CSD really transcends all aspects of transportation project planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. Because the issues are so broad, this paper focuses only on setting the stage for establishing CSD research needs in the areas that impact natural and cultural environmental concerns. It explores the concepts of CSD, the principles by which success may be measured, and the tools being employed to achieve design excellence in transportation. This is followed by a discussion of movements that have gained popularity and have some common ground with CSD in transportation. These include livable communities, sustainable transportation, and smart growth and new urbanism.