Aesthetics, Death, and Landmark Structures: Approach for Values Clarification

Abstract

The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic landmark, which has long held the distinction of being the most popular structure in the world to commit suicide. A general process is presented for policy makers’ use to generate conversation and clarify their values in making decisions about public works improvements. This applies particularly well where issues of aesthetics and cost are emotionally and politically charged. The Golden Gate Bridge serves as a case study of how this process can be used. Three design solutions were generated on the basis of architectural concerns and developed in the context of evaluation criteria. A value-based decision analysis approach was taken to determine the preference structure of decision makers involved and to provide a rational framework for further development. Results indicate that existing preferences among decision makers may not be consistent with their public decisions and could be clarified given a more rigorous framework. The do-nothing option is likely to be less preferred to other options given a thorough definition of the acceptance criteria.