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3.1.14
Drains, Bridges, Boardwalks and Similar Structures
Generally, these structures should be designed to be incorporated
into the coastal landscape and should not stand alone as foreign objects.
These elements,
which occur along the coast, need to be designed in a way that embodies
them into the coastal landscape and utilises them both visually and
functionally. For example, bridges can be aesthetically pleasing elements;
they can be used to support vehicle, pedestrian and faunal movements,
they can carry engineering utilities and can serve as important viewing
points. Such a multiple function approach is most desirable in the precious
coastal environment.
Bridges
Generally,
bridges should be simple and functional.
In particular,
the following should be addressed in the design process:
- Minimise visual blocking by and from the structure, including the
views for road-users.
- The structure should complement its context. For example, make use
of a light-weight and tensile wooden footbridge in a natural setting.
- Respect materials and forms of the local area. For example, use
local stone, where suitable.
Drains
Drains should be designed to meet engineering requirements, while satisfying
all other guidelines.
The following issues
need to be addressed:
- Avoid disturbance to natural systems, especially geomorphological
processes (Refer to Ecological Guidelines).
- Avoid visual and ecological disturbance to the landscape by choosing
less sensitive locations for these elements and by integrating with
other uses and ensuring environmentally responsible discharge of water.
- Avoid interfering with pedestrian access to and along the foreshore.
Boardwalks and
Elevated Step Structures
These structures should predominantly be designed to protect vulnerable
ground surface vegetation and micro-environments.
- Boardwalks in natural areas should:
> Stay low where possible.
> Be constructed from materials and colours that blend with surrounding
landscape so that the visual impact is low.
- Boardwalks in urban areas should:
> Stay low where possible.
> Use materials consistent with the urban environment which may be
informed by local architecture and culture and in turn may require
therefore bright colours, formal shapes or art-inspired experiences.
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3.1.15
Marine Structures, Aquaculture, Breakwaters/Harbours, Buoys/Pens, and
Beach Protection Structures, including Groynes
Such
coastal structures need to recognise the natural processes and features
with which they are interacting and be in keeping with the landscape
setting.
Being in or close
to the water, these structures are usually visually prominent elements
that therefore need to be attractive. It is desirable that the structures
express or be in keeping with local geography and heritage.
- Refer to the above recommended process and emphasise the following:
> Understand marine hydrology and coastal geomorphology.
> Analyse other natural systems.
> Take all of the above and determine an economic and sustainable
solution.
Other Considerations
In designing these
facilities recognise the following likely impacts:
- The element should be attractive to the eye, and should not block
views.
- Facilities of this kind are often used by fauna in a variety of
ways, usually not anticipated by the designs. For example, seals and
birds using buoys, piers, breakwaters etc.
In most cases this is a charming addition to the primary function and
should be encouraged. An example of this approach is set out as follows:
- Groynes normally form barriers along a beach. Where there is forethought
they could become viewing areas, promontories and have inbuilt access
steps.
The above example
highlights the need to plan for elements of this kind in a way that
enables and enhances access to and along the coastline.
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3.1.16
Pipeline and Cable Shore Crossing
Foreshore disruption by pipelines and cable shore crossings
should be minimised.
In placing such
structures in the landscape the following need to be addressed:
- The need to minimise negative visual impacts. These elements should
be buried and should be placed away from the waters edge.
- The need to minimise disruption to the natural systems (vegetation,
soils, etc.).
- The need to avoid interference with public access to and along the
foreshore.
If any parts
of the structure are to occur above ground, they need to be integrated
into the local landscape design for the project, eg. incorporate into
a walkway, lookout, groyne, jetty etc. Unobtrusive, low, well constructed
pine log vehicle barrier. Visually obtrusive pine log vehicle barrier
installed too high and with rough detailing |
