Aesthetic Considerations in Civil Infrastructure | 1

Aesthetic Considerations i n Civil Infrastructure Ro d Howard, Principa l Architect

March 2016

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Aesthetics

Th e scien ce whi ch deduces from natur e an d tast e th e rules an d principles of art; th e theory of th e fin e arts; th e scien ce of th e beautiful, or th e bran ch of philosophy that deals wit h its principles or effects.

Relatin g t o th e sen se of th e beautifu l or th e scien ce of aesthetics, that is, th e deductio n from natur e an d tast e of rules an d principles of beauty.

Sensory appeal.

Bridges an d retainin g walls

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Primar y aesthetic considerations

• Form • Scale • Materials • Pattern • Texture • Colour • Modulation • Public Art

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Retainin g walls – visual characteristics

Surface modulation Colour

Pattern, art and interpretation Variation in surface texture

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Walls – surface treatments

Molded surfaces create patterns, designs and textures which enliven the character and appearance of walls, and provide pleasant contrasts of light and shade.

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Retainin g walls

Landscaping can enhance the appearance of large expanses of retaining walls.

Public Art is often added to plain wall surfaces to provide visual interest and relieve an otherwise dull environment.

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Case stud y – Belmore

Belmore railwa y statio n is liste d o n th e Stat e Heritag e Register.

Th e rai l corridor is include d withi n th e define d heritag e curtilag e bounda ry of th e statio n precinct.

Part of embankment belo w roa d bridg e beca me increasingl y unstabl e as a result of a leakin g wate r pipe.

2014

2015

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Case stud y – Belmore

Retainin g wal l of a standa rd desig n constructe d t o prevent partia l collap se of embankment.

Ribbe d concret e panels betwee n stee l posts use d t o form a vertica l wall.

U se of panels wit h different heights for ea ch en d creates a visua l divisio n apparentl y unrelate d t o anything.

Result is a poor aesthetic solution.

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Sydney Terminal in 1884