In order for a designer to be sensitive to the project's surrounding environment, he or she must consider its context and physical location carefully during this stage of project planning. Some of these issues to be considered are; the physical characteristics of the corridor, how is it being used, what are the existing conditions, and what is the make-up of the local population.

Assessing the Character of an Area

In order for a designer to be sensitive to the project's surrounding environment, he or she must consider its context and physical location carefully during this stage of project planning. This is true whether a house, a road, a bridge, or something as small as a bus passenger waiting shelter is to be built. A data collection effort may be needed that involves site visits and contacts with residents and other stakeholders in the area. A benefit of the designer gathering information about the physical character of the area and the values of the community is that the information will help the designer shape how the project will look and identify any physical constraints or opportunities early in the process. Some of the questions to ask at this stage include:

• What are the physical characteristics of the corridor? Is it in an urban, suburban, or rural setting?

• How is the corridor being used (other than for vehicular traffic)? Are there destination spots along the traveled way that require safe access for pedestrians to cross? Do bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles or pedestrians travel along the road?

• What is the vegetation along the corridor? Is it sparse or dense; are there many trees or special plants?

• Are there important viewsheds from the road?

• What is the size of the existing roadway and how does it fit into its surroundings?

• Are there historic or especially sensitive environmental features (such as wetlands or endangered species habitats) along the roadway?

• How does the road compare to other roads in the area?

• Are there particular features or characteristics of the area that the community wants to preserve (e.g., a rural character, a neighborhood atmosphere, or a main street) or change (e.g., busy electrical wires)?

• Is there more than one community or social group in the area? Are different groups interested in different features/characteristics? Are different groups affected differently by possible solutions?

• Are there concentrations of children, the elderly, or disabled individuals with special design and access needs (e.g.,pedestrian crosswalks, curb cuts, audible traffic signals, median refuge areas)?