Streetscape Design
STREETSCAPE DESIGN is a term typically associated with the restoration of urban areas to create a more attractive, comfortable and safe setting for the public. These types of projects often include improvements not just to the roadway paving but to the surrounding environment as well. In urban settings this may include:
- Installation/renovation of sidewalks, curbs and gutters.
- Installation/renovation of accessible curb ramps.
- Modification of existing traffic lanes to accommodate bicycle traffic.
- Modifications at roadway intersections to include “bulbs” for safer crossings.
- Drainage improvements.
- Utility relocation.
- Installation of street trees as well as landscape planter beds.
- Automatic irrigation systems for landscape planting.
- Street lighting and seasonal lighting systems for street trees.
- Street furniture (i.e. benches, trash receptacles, bike racks, etc.).
- Specialty structures (bus stops, monument signs, pedestals for public art installations, etc.).
The more successful streetscape projects balance sound engineering design, public safety and accessibility with artistry and a unique aesthetic that results in a “destination”. This brings an increased complexity to the project, and it requires a lot of input from various design professionals, agency personnel, local residents and business owners. Public agency clients want a consultant with a record of past performance on streetscape improvement projects and a demonstrated ability to lead and manage the various design subconsultants and stakeholders throughout the project. The design team, headed by a prime consultant, must be able to coordinate, communicate and collaborate effectively in order to translate a vision into reality. PEI's engineering and landscape architectural design team are well-suited to handle these challenges.