Never Mind the Width — Feel the Quality!

Abstract

This paper concerns the quality of the design of urban local roads. It argues that debate on this subject needs to extend beyond the question of the adequacy of technical standards, to the issue of the adequacy of design in the broadest sense. It reviews the influence that standards have had on local road design, and concludes that design by standards does not guarantee a well designed result. An alternative design by objectives approach would make objectives rather than standards the purpose of the design. This would allow technical adequacy of the road to be assessed, which is not possible if standards are prescribed without performance objectives. Ten design objectives are stated for quality streets. To achieve them would require the adoption of a total design process embracing network design, the detailed design of streets, and urban design. The paper proposes some performance measures for perceived and actual safety, and illustrates possible design guidelines by proposing criteria aimed at moderating vehicle speeds. Shortcomings in the design training of engineers are noted, and a greater readiness to participate in teams is suggested. Quality, it is concluded, results not from satisfying technical criteria but by a feeling for qualitative aspects of street design (A).