Guidelines and suggestions for the improved design of freeway noise barriers in urban areas are provided. The guidelines have been developed to encourage an attractive and efficient system of noise control and to achieve design continuity throughout the area. How inventories of the technical, cultural and natural landscape can be usedin design is illustrated. A variety of techniques of wall shape andtexture and landscaping application that can be adapted to specificenvironments is provided. The desired approach views the wall and landscape as an integrated system that should be designed to reflect and enhance the surrounding community. Diversity in design of both the wall and landscaping should be sought and systems should be designed to reflect the historic and ethnic heritage of the neighborhoods. A broad range of options should be provided that can creatively enhance the environment that is seen as well as heard along freeways. The concepts developed are illustrated through several prototype designs. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1312, Energy and environmental issues 1991.
Abstract