ASSESSING THE VISUAL QUALITY OF RURAL HIGHWAY LANDSCAPE RECLAMATION IN THE WESTERN BLACK SEA REGION OF TURKEY

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to assess the visual quality of proposed rural highway landscape reclamation of the new Bartm-Amasra highway via public perceptions and design approaches. The four objectives of this study were to: (1) analyze the study site's landscape to determine its characteristics, (2) evaluate three landscape reclamation concepts (open, semi-open, and closed) for eight research areas and generate 24 3-D simulations/visualizations, and (3) survey academic staff, public staff, students, and laypeople regarding their preferences of the new Bartm-Amasra highway. The study was conducted at eight sites where landscape reclamation is required on the highway. The survey sampled 300 highway users from four groups to determine their socio-demographic characteristics and use preferences. The data were analyzed by interpreting statistical correlations and frequency analysis. The results found that there were 75 plant species from 39 families in the eight sampled areas. Educational attainment was positively related to preferring to use the highway to watch the sea and scenery, although many highway locations were perceived as negative. The most striking remedies for mitigation were landscaping designs that counter noise and visual pollution and renewal of damaged vegetation. The most positive aspect of the highway was having an open and closed scenery attribute.