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V.4.17.6Amendments No. V-2/85 (July)4.17.6 ScaleThe quality of scale has been described as one of the mostpotent tools in the art of juxtaposition of scenic elements. Scaleis, of course, concerned with size relationships, but in terms ofvisual effect, it also has much to do with relative extravagance orexaggeration in the choice of dimensional detail.For example, a retaining wall with its surface subdividedinto large, bold panels will suggest a larger 'scale* than asimilar sized wall with a more discreet texture as shown in Figure4.17.8; similarly, although the size of a bridge is largely dictatedby the required deck width and span limits, considerable variations inapparent scale can be achieved by choosing solid parapets instead ofopen ones, and by selecting multiple slender columns rather thansingle massive supports.Where a large structure can be viewed as a whole, itssuccessful integration will depend very much upon its relationshipwith other scenic elements of similar scale, such as any adjacentbuilding groups, major topographical features or the road itself.Where a structure is likely to be viewed at close quarters,the scale and texture of its component parts become more important,and their relationship with correspondingly smaller local featureswill require greater attention.By virtue of its large size, a bridge will invariably be asignificant element in the scene and, more often than not, it willneed to be 'scaled down 1 if it is not to dominate its setting. Forthis reason it is frequently necessary to design urban bridges with asslender a profile as can reasonably be achieved.