Safety, precision, dynamism, elegance and economy – these attributes characterise the new design concept for the noise barriers along Austria's motorways, developed as part of a competition. The current heterogeneous and fragmented designs of the noise barriers are replaced by clear, dynamic lines. An innovative approach that takes into account not only aesthetic but also functional and social aspects.
One of the main components of this project is the integration of local stone into the precast concrete elements of the noise barriers. Each section thus receives a specific, site-related design that allows it to blend harmoniously into its surroundings. For noise barriers are not mere barriers, but an integral part of the daily lives of the people living in their immediate vicinity.
To increase acceptance of the noise barriers and create new social spaces, innovative interventions are installed:
Sitting together: the construction of the motorway once separated neighbouring villages. To restore this connection, seating niches with glazed openings are created on both sides of the motorway. They offer a place to sit together again and are connected to each other by an intercom.
Listening: a room with an opening towards the motorway allows people to hear the noise of passing vehicles without seeing them. This installation makes the effects of noise protection tangible and raises awareness of the issue.
First: a large LED counter above the tunnel at Salzburg Mitte counts every passing vehicle, providing a visual representation of the traffic volume.
Reflection: highly polished steel plates on the outside of the noise barrier create an effect that extends and doubles the landscape along the motorway for around 50 metres.
The planned section from the Walserberg border crossing to the Mondsee will be realised in stages over the coming years. Planning work for the first section is scheduled for 2014.
This project sets new standards in the field of noise protection and shows how innovative architecture can help to improve the quality of life in our surroundings.
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