[206] “Cross Crossings Cautiously” Bulletin.
[207] Nebraska Blue Print, May, 1920. Published by the Engineering Society of the University of Nebraska.
[208] Formerly Chairman of the Citizens’ Street Traffic Committee of New York City, Honorary President of the Highway Traffic Association of the state of New York, Chairman of the Advisory Committee for the Highway Transport Committee of the United States Council of National Defense, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Eno Foundation for Highway Traffic Regulation, Inc., etc.
[209] “The Science of Highway Traffic Regulation,” by W. P. Eno. Distributed by Brentano’s, New York.
[210] Eno, op. cit.
[211] Main Office, Saugatuck, Fairfield County, Conn.
CHAPTER XII
HIGHWAY ESTHETICS
One test for success is the degree of satisfaction produced. A successful book satisfies the majority of its readers. A machine is successful when it performs the duties intended to the satisfaction of its operators. In business satisfaction brings repeat orders; in art it gives emotional pleasure, and we return again and again to look upon it. The ancient writer Vitruvius says the three indispensable elements of architecture are Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas, stability, utility, beauty. That one which in the long run is most pleasing to the builder and gives the greatest degree of satisfaction is beauty.
Most people are sensible to the charms of nature and art, that feeling excited in the mind when observing those things called beautiful, and to a feeling of revulsion and, possibly, disgust when brought in contact with the ugly. The so-called esthetic sense enables us to appreciate and admire the beautiful in nature and art, to enjoy literature and music, to delight in wit and humor, and even to recognize beauty in a mathematical problem.
Can the principles of esthetic construction be applied to the humble road? Most assuredly, everyone recognizes that the first two elements, stability and utility, are very essential qualifications, but the public fails to get the greatest possible satisfaction from the road because it neglects the element of beauty. Until the profession of Road Aesthete has been evolved, therefore, it might be well, in at least a crude way, to apply to the highway some of the principles of architecture and landscape gardening. Since the roadway is of necessity flat it blends in well with landscape gardening and the characteristics of unity, variety, and fitness are fundamental. All parts that are above the surface may receive a true architectural treatment. Bridges are especially amenable. With the very large bridges there is present the element of size, vastness, and when properly proportioned they excite in the mind of man a feeling of awe akin to appreciation of the sublime in nature and impress upon him a deep sense of the greatness of human power. In all bridges the elements of proportion, harmony and symmetry are applicable. And with the beauty and grandeur of form comes the heightened effect of embellishment—ornament and color. Here, however, the skill, experience, and taste of the artist must come in. Embellishment may be carried too far. A simple decoration of constructive parts is usually sufficient. Massive concrete is itself pleasing, but possibly a rubbing of the surface will enhance the effect of light and shade and bring into prominence the lines which the bridge architect desires to emphasize. The coloring due to the materials used is usually deemed sufficient, although there may be places where harmony demands a special treatment.