Structures

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT



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Structures

The visual impact from new structures placed on the existing landscape can be reduced by:

Repeating form, line, color, and texture.
Minimizing the number of structures and combining different activities in one structure wherever possible.
Using earth-tone paints and stains.
Using self-weathering metals.
Chemically treating wood so that it can be allowed to self-weather.
Using natural stone in wall surfaces.
Burying all or part of the structure.
Selecting paint finishes with low levels of reflectivity.
Using rustic designs and native building materials.
Using natural-appearing forms to complement landscape character.
Screening the structure from view through the use of natural landforms and vegetation.

Following are some examples of proper and improper use of structure design:

Visual Resource Management

Click on the following images to see a larger image

This structure repeats the line, color, and texture of this landscape. The use of native materials in this early American structure helps it blend with the landscape.

The open lattice design of this electrical transmission tower virtually disappears in this western landscape. This structure is well-screened from the critical viewing area. These structures, in addition to creating strong color contrast, are not in scale with the human environment.