Design and Development Principles for Livable Suburban Arterials

Abstract

Previous research conducted by the Design Center for American Urban Landscape at the University of Minnesota suggests a need to develop a hierarchical network of arterials that would accommodate contemporary and future activity and movement patterns in suburban areas. This research project investigated the interaction between road section design and adjacent site design by applying livable community principles and developing a set of design criteria that would guide coordination of land use and transportation planning. The research hypothesized a need for a minimum of three roadway prototypes, district planning capabilities, and an integrated land use and transportation planning approach. Research findings indicate that a hierarchical network is feasible under the following circumstances: - The district network assumes arterial segments designed at different speeds. - Urban design performance criteria are used at the beginning of the planning process to establish quantitative measures. - Spacing of controlled intersections corresponds to road speed design. - Urban design templates, keyed to road design speed, are used to guide design of areas adjacent to the intersections. - The existing development context becomes the basis for balancing activity and moment and for phasing change in the built environment.