Date of Award

5-2014

Document Type

Terminal Project

Degree Name

Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA)

Department

Landscape Architecture

Advisor

Matthew N. Powers

Committee Member

Robert Hewitt

Committee Member

Stephen Sperry

Abstract

ABSTRACT The conflict between road systems and wildlife habitat has caused two key issues: habitat fragmentation and wildlife-vehicle collisions. To address these problems, wildlife crossing structures can be a successful approach to restoring landscape connectivity and reducing the rate of road-kills. In order to promote their popularization and acceptance, enhancing public involvement may be of benefit and will be a research focus. To obtain a new design framework for wildlife crossings, three bodies of knowledge are studied in the literature, including highway, humans, and nature; wildlife ecology and habitat; and art and design. From case studies, seven design factors were identified, including topographic intervention, crossing surface, structural form and material, screen, habitat and landscape connectivity, public involvement, and subsidiary measures. Results are summarized into three design categories of principles and strategies, including reconnection, protection, and reinterpretation. The study concludes with a design application of an example wildlife overpass structure that emphasizes on the research results.

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