Approved by the Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee on February 13, 2020
Approved by the Public Policy Committee on April 6, 2020
Adopted by the Board of Direction on July 11, 2020
Policy
The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports aesthetic quality in engineering design. As aesthetics are integral to good engineering design and sustainability, the cost of aesthetic quality should also be integral to design and construction budgeting. Aesthetic quality should be an element of the planning, design, construction, operations, maintenance, renovation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and security enhancement of the built environment.
Issue
An engineering design can enhance or detract from the environment by virtue of the quality of its visual characteristics. The budget for aesthetic features is not always included in the design, construction, and maintenance of he built environment.
Rationale
Aesthetic harmony should exist between civil engineering designs and the environment within which these designs are constructed. The environment is both natural and built, and its aesthetic qualities should be preserved and enhanced by design, enhancing the sustainability of the built environment. Visual quality and aesthetics must be considered throughout the life cycle of a project and provided funding. Aesthetic quality can be achieved in ways that maintain or enhance functional quality.
This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 117
First Approved in 1969