Conventional approaches for urban stormwater
management have contributed to the serious
environmental degradation of our watersheds in the
form of water pollution, habitat destruction, and
decreased ground water recharge. Alternative design
strategies such as incorporating drainage swales
along residential streets have the potential to
reduce such impacts, and are beginning to be
implemented in North America. However, the public
process involved in the planning of these projects
has been time-consuming and little research has been
conducted into the visual preferences associated with
these novel streetscape designs. To explore factors
that may influence visual preference, members of
various neighbourhood organizations were surveyed
regarding their visual preference for eight different
boulevard designs. By identifying specific landscape
elements and demographic factors that increase visual
preference, the results of this study could provide
important insight for professionals involved in the
design and implementation of alternative stormwater
management projects.
management have contributed to the serious
environmental degradation of our watersheds in the
form of water pollution, habitat destruction, and
decreased ground water recharge. Alternative design
strategies such as incorporating drainage swales
along residential streets have the potential to
reduce such impacts, and are beginning to be
implemented in North America. However, the public
process involved in the planning of these projects
has been time-consuming and little research has been
conducted into the visual preferences associated with
these novel streetscape designs. To explore factors
that may influence visual preference, members of
various neighbourhood organizations were surveyed
regarding their visual preference for eight different
boulevard designs. By identifying specific landscape
elements and demographic factors that increase visual
preference, the results of this study could provide
important insight for professionals involved in the
design and implementation of alternative stormwater
management projects.