There has been a significant increase in the construction of freeways from as early as the 1950s (Sherman 4). It was an idea welcomed by many and a move seen to link people and ease movement. To the city planners, freeways are an economic development tool that will entice the suburban resident back to the towns. Freeways are divided highways with unlimited access and also without tolling services; they are characterized by the inclusion of two or more lanes on either side to provide a free and uninterrupted traffic flow (US Department of Transportation 15). A barrier exists to separate the opposing direction of traffic flow. From the definition, freeway appears to be fulfilling its purpose and doing an excellent job. However similar to the …show more content…
The New York’s Long Island Motor Parkway was the first freeway opened as a private venture in 1908 (Alpert 1) and had several features such as guard rails, banked turn among others. Later on, freeways were constructed in response to the increased number of motor vehicles, and the need for eased movement between cities as well as decongesting the roads of traffic. Also, it was to promote community cohesion; an urban planning pattern that will see the enhancement of the existing social network within a community. As much as the project appears beneficial from the look of the cover, it can have detrimental effects on the community’s cohesion which may include splitting neighborhoods, isolation of communities or ethnic groups, driving residents away from community facilities and also affecting property values. Additionally, freeways were expected to act as an urban renewal tool and remodel what to the authorities appeared as a blighted …show more content…
It has existed for some time, but its popularity has gradually increased with increase in publication. By judging a project, the theory seeks to establish the merits of constructions. It is through such reasoned judgment that architecture can remain a creative process. A structure can be designed only by a continuous creative and well-integrated dialect between imagination and the purpose of a structure. Architectural works aim at satisfying the structural integrity and aesthetic notion of the final work, but it should be subject to functionality. It should, however, be acknowledged that new projects are met with skepticism. The function is an aspect that should encompass all criteria that the presence of the building should meet (use, perception and enjoyment) in addition to aesthetic and the community’s