British Methods for Improving Sensitivity of Bridge Designers to Good Bridge Appearance

In Britain, there is a two-pronged attack to win design excellence: encourage the best and eliminate the worst. This study describes ways in which the Highways Agency encourages adoption of design excellence in its bridge projects. One is the formal review of designs by the Royal Fine Art Commission and the principal architect-planner, and through public consultations and inquiries. Published advice, including a book on detailed aspects of bridge appearance, is also considered. Further, encouragement of good design is given through conferences to discuss bridge aesthetics, debates in the press and in meetings, publicity as to the government's interest in good design, and design competitions. Finally, new initiatives are outlined: design excellence in design-and-build schemes, broader scope with design, build, finance, operate, revival of masonry and unreinforced concrete, and new technology.