Functional approach clarifies residential road layout design

Abstract

Most design guides provide information on the detail design of residential streets. This is generally related to the need to account for the requirements of the. motor car. The functions of residential streets are identified as:
1. Providing access to abutting pro­perties.
2. Facilitating social activity.
3. Providing a corridor for the move-ment of motor vehicles.
4. Accommodating engineering services.
The functional approach identifies two types of roads: one for access and the other for movement. Designing for these two distinct types of roads obviates the need to f ulfill conflicting functions. This simplifies the design process, permits the creation of a residential environment con­ductive to social activity, and at the same time ensures that vehicular movement is not unacceptably tortuous.