What Is A Streetscape in Civil Engineering?
Here at SB Civils, we’re passionate about creating attractive and functional urban environments through our streetscaping projects. Streetscapes are a critical part of our daily lives, defining many of our interactions and how we experience our local area.
But what is a streetscape? And what should you consider when designing them?
As a leading civil engineering firm, we’ve decided to take a closer look at what makes for a first-rate streetscape, the important factors to consider, and the vital role that maintenance plays.
Designing Streetscapes
When designing a streetscape, the number one consideration should always be practicality. To be practical, you have to ask yourself three important questions:
- Who uses this space?
- What do they use it for?
- What kind of atmosphere are we creating?
For example, if we’re creating a highway bypass then we know we’re creating a space for drivers. That space exists to facilitate faster transport and all aesthetic considerations should be geared towards visual clarity and safer driving.
Of course, many of our decisions in this case are predefined by regulations but when a judgement has to be made, this is a situation where practicality for the user would always come first.
Alternatively for a more built-up area with slower traffic then it’s very important to consider the atmosphere you’re creating. From grass and trees to how we consider lines of sight, we’re always diligent about ensuring that we create streetscapes that best reflect the wants and needs of the people who will occupy them.
Maintaining Streetscapes
All that said, much of our work is less about designing and more about maintaining. Where systems have been damaged or else need to be replaced entirely, it’s our job to make sure the new fits seamlessly into the old and that means having a good understanding of the original intent.
For example, if we have to replace a section of pavement then we’ll not only want to ensure that the new section matches the pavement around it but also that it meets the needs of the people using it. After all, when it comes to pedestrian walkways even small decisions can turn a safe road into a dangerous one.
How Civil Engineering Shapes Cities
If there’s one thing we’re really proud of as civil engineers, it’s how our hard work shapes the places we live in. By carefully considering every detail, right down to the smallest minutiae, we help build and maintain better urban spaces for everyone.
Planning a civil engineering project? If you’re looking to work with experienced and professional civil engineers with plenty of streetscaping projects under their belt, then we’re the team for you! For more information, call today at 01279-276-030 or email us at info@sbcivils.co.uk.