Landscape architecture in transportation is the design discipline engaged in the art and science of shaping and enhancing both the natural and manmade environments for human use and enjoyment. This simplified definition is placed into practice by professionals through the functional and aesthetic arrangement of natural resources, structures, utilities, and circulation patterns. That answer depends largely upon the location and classification of the project. A two lane bridge project in a rural area may need foremost to be utilitarian, one in which economics plays the primary role. On the other hand, a multi-lane freeway project in an urban area may demand greater attention to detail because of its high volume of traffic and impact on nearby communities.
Aesthetic details can enhance a roadway project beyond the economic, efficient and safety concerns.
Another important consideration is the way in which the project blends into the overall landscape. Due to the monolithic scale of many roadway projects, many motorists are overwhelmed by the sheer size. For example, a project can be reduced to a more human scale simply by utilizing smaller units of paving and retaining wall components. A successful transportation project requires an awareness of many different components as early in the design process as possible. This can be accomplished by holding a project design conference before any actual design work begins.