Art and color in the Right of Way
How is art and color age-friendly?
Adding design elements to any project can make a difference between an age-friendly space and a space that is not more visually hostile. Art and color can be combined with any of the age-friendly design standards, amenities, or play and learning programming to further enhance the age-friendly tool.
Where should art and color be prioritized?
Art and color can be incorporated throughout the right-of-way to bring moments in interest to pedestrians. Three dimensional objects must not block the pedestrian clear sidewalk space (See clearance standards). Places that are underutilized, for example, highway underpasses or alleys, can be livened up with art and color.
Art and color could be used in many different elements with colors that would not be mistaken as regular traffic MUTCD sign colors. In Seattle colors could be added to elements like:
- Community Crosswalks
- Along a building setback permitted by a homeowner or developer
- Animate building facades and windows with murals, games, and other playful elements painted or attached to the wall
- Playful designs for trash cans or bike racks
- Staircases that are painted add whimsy and help to make a sometimes arduous climb joyful
Primary agencies invested in art and color in the right of way
- Seattle Department of Transportation
- Seattle Parks and Recreation
- Seattle Public Utilities
- Seattle City Light
- King County Metro
- Sound Transit
- Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections
- Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development
Estimated cost*
$ and up
* Cost levels:
$ = Under $100,000
$$ = $100,001-$500,000
$$$ = $500,001-$1,000,000
$$$$= Over $1,000,001