Virtual Reality Images to Aid Public Involvement in Appearance of Roads and Bridges

The U.K. Highways Agency has completed a research project on the feasibility of using virtual reality technology to help communicate information about proposed new roads and bridges to the public and to encourage their involvement in the design and appearance of roads and bridges. Bridge aspects primarily are considered. In the past there was a tendency to consult the public in two stages. Initially they were consulted conceptually about the route, with little information about the detail of any major structures. Then a few years later they would be shown an artist’s perspective of the bridge, often out of context, and road layout plans of the detailed route. A physical model emphasized psychologically that it was probably too late to change very much. This type of consultation neither contributed to the elegance of the bridge nor particularly encouraged local support for the project. Using virtual reality, the visual effect of a road or bridge in the specific location can be demonstrated at the very earliest stage. Later, with high-quality images, the local community as well as the designers can make real choices between viable structural options and can see the effect of different materials and colors in the real context. The result will be more beautiful bridges that, because of public involvement and support, will be built sooner and without public objection. The Highways Agency is in the process of trying out this new approach.