VISUAL PRINCIPLES FOR THE DESIGN OF NOISE BARRIERS

Abstract In recent years, various noise barriers have been constructed in Denmark in connection with new dwellings or new roads. Noise barriers are often visually dominant constructions, and they can be an unfamiliar element in the surroundings. In the process of design and planning, it is important to adapt new noise barriers to the surrounding city or landscape, as well as to the actual road. This paper is based on the description of about 40 examples from Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands and France. Great importance is laid on the use of materials, colours and design in the relation to the surroundings. The paper goes through different strategies. One strategy is to use extensive vegetation, so that the noise barrier cannot be seen, especially in the landscape. Another is to make the noise barrier underline the shape and lines of the city and landscape. Some general guidelines for the design of noise barriers are developed.