108 CONFERENCE ON NATURAL BEAUTY 



However, the weeds will not be eradicated or controlled by local 

 governments. They have neither removal techniques nor anything 

 better to replant. These officials have neither the instrumentality 

 for control nor the tools or techniques from external industry. For 

 the suppliers of components have been either unconcerned with the 

 problem or unable to cope with it. Perhaps this is because of the 

 fragmented nature of the industry. 



One group of manufacturers supplies only poles. Another pro- 

 duces only lights. Still other companies make signs. And different 

 companies supply only traffic signals. There is no component inter- 

 face. All these parts must be put together by the municipal people 

 with blacksmiths' brackets and baling wire. The result is functional 

 and visual chaos. 



Therefore, Federal and institutional support of research is 

 essential. 



The immediate need is to develop performance criteria, to deter- 

 mine what these equipments should do. 



Then a systems concept and approach to design and installation 

 of street facilities is required. We must leapfrog the obsolete prac- 

 tices. We must redesign with advanced technology for America's 

 future needs. This kind of research the Federal Government can 

 and should support. 



This research will show what can be done. It will result in new 

 prototype systems and equipments. These will promise a new en- 

 larged market to industry. 



Manufacturers will be quick to seize upon and utilize the by- 

 products of this research. They will soon make available these new 

 systems particularly if the government supports their adoption in 

 new urban projects. 



Municipal administrators, directors of streets and traffic commis- 

 sioners, will at last have available sources of better supply. 



Then, indeed, will the weeds on the urban landscape have been 

 controlled. The urban soil will have been conditioned to accept the 

 trees Mrs. Johnson suggests we need. The weeds will not over- 

 whelm the trees the citizen plants or the flowers he tends. 



WILLIAM H. SCHEICK.* The American Institute of Architects 

 wholeheartedly supports the President's objectives and his statements 

 for great national programs to conserve and restore the natural 



*This is an extension of remarks made by Mr. Scheick during the panel dis- 

 cussion. 



