A Contemporary Approach to the Design of Road Transport Infrastructure in Balance with the Landscape

Abstract

Our current technological approach to design and construction is removing an important connection between humans and nature. Nature can teach us many things about design, as it represents a tried and tested response to the forces acting in our dynamic environment. Before modern technology we had to observe and design with nature and there were few cultures that did this as well as Aboriginal peoples of Australia. Modern society can learn (or re-learn) from nature and listen to our ancient cultures and produce design outcomes that are unique, context sensitive and durable. For example, road cuttings and embankments that match natural slopes – in gradient and vegetation cover – will be more stable, less maintenance and help the road fit in to the landscape. Bridges that include arched forms respond to nature’s principles regarding gravity and compressive strength and can last thousands of years. A road alignment that skirts valleys, travels through saddles and works with contours rather than against, will follow the landscape, reflect its movement and form, minimise the impact on the natural and cultural heritage and need less effort to maintain. Using stone, understanding the rock, fitting it together in a skilled way will produce dry stone walls that will look beautiful and will last for centuries. In designing long lasting artefacts and projects with a timeless elegance and beauty, we should look around, understand and work with nature, learn from and value the practices of our ancient cultures and not just rely on technology.