Approved by the Infrastructure and Research Policy Committee on May 22, 2026
Approved by the Public Policy and Practice Committee on September 2, 2026
Adopted by the Board of Direction on October 16, 2026

Policy

The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) supports the design and construction of engineering projects that are aesthetically appealing while enhancing the views and local character of the project area.

ASCE supports activities to: 

  • Review and evaluate the aesthetic impact of the design and planning of infrastructure projects. 
  • Partner and collaborate with architects, landscape architects, designers, artists, and other members of the design team to enhance the aesthetics of infrastructure projects.
  • Encourage project owners to budget for members of the entire design team to help collaboratively design and construct projects that are aesthetically appealing and which enhance the views and local character of the project area.
  • Foster input from local stakeholders including relevant members of the public and users, to provide recommendations on aesthetics and visual perspectives. 

Issue

Twenty-first century infrastructure projects have shifted toward a more stakeholder-based planning and design approach. Including architects, landscape architects, designers, and artists who create projects that are visually appealing and which support viewsheds and local character. Including these professionals as members of the design civil engineering team in the planning and design effort often results in more aesthetically appealing projects.

Rationale

The appearance of infrastructure projects should support social and economic activities by creating attractive viewsheds and by enhancing local character rather than hindering them. Considering projects and their surroundings can help to provide a larger lens in which the project aesthetics can fit into context. For example, exploring projects along a corridor could help to create a context for the aesthetics chosen. Also, past aesthetic choices can be considered to provide continuity over time. 

This policy has worldwide application
ASCE Policy Statement 117
First Approved in 1969