Acoustical Barrier + Hessing Cockpit
Acoustical Barrier + Hessing Cockpit in Utrecht, Netherlands by ONL
For a 1.5km (1 mile) stretch of highway in Utrecht, Kas Oostherhuis and ONL were asked to design an acoustical barrier and a showroom for Hessing, a seller of high-end luxury and sports cars like Bentley, Bugatti, and Maserati. Their design responds to the speed of movement through a streamlined shape that gradually changes in plan and section across its length.
Many acoustical barriers, especially in the United States, are composed of prefabricated elements that interlock end-to-end as long and as high as necessary. Also, they tend to be of solid construction (concrete, masonry, wood, metal) to not only reduce noise but also the line of sight for privacy reasons. In this case, ONL created a wall that is far from prefabricated or opaque, opting for parametric design techniques (described below) and a glass skin that not only allows light and views but also shows off the complex structure.
Parametric design has been defined as "a method of linking dimensions and variables to geometry in such a way that when the values change, the part changes as well." Therefore, using CAD and other software, the architect can create complex forms that can be modified easily throughout the design process. Here, it also enables the design to respond to the contours of the building site, something that more conventional barriers fail to accomplish.
Like a snake devouring its prey, the acoustical barrier bulges along its length, creating the Hessing Cockpit, a showroom for its many expensive automobiles. It location and orientation towards the highway must be an intentional move, as the potential buyer can look outside and daydream about getting that shiny Lamborghini on the road. Architecturally, this works both ways, especially at night when the illuminated showroom displays its wares to those rushing by at 120kph (75mph).
For a 1.5km (1 mile) stretch of highway in Utrecht, Kas Oostherhuis and ONL were asked to design an acoustical barrier and a showroom for Hessing, a seller of high-end luxury and sports cars like Bentley, Bugatti, and Maserati. Their design responds to the speed of movement through a streamlined shape that gradually changes in plan and section across its length.
Many acoustical barriers, especially in the United States, are composed of prefabricated elements that interlock end-to-end as long and as high as necessary. Also, they tend to be of solid construction (concrete, masonry, wood, metal) to not only reduce noise but also the line of sight for privacy reasons. In this case, ONL created a wall that is far from prefabricated or opaque, opting for parametric design techniques (described below) and a glass skin that not only allows light and views but also shows off the complex structure.
Parametric design has been defined as "a method of linking dimensions and variables to geometry in such a way that when the values change, the part changes as well." Therefore, using CAD and other software, the architect can create complex forms that can be modified easily throughout the design process. Here, it also enables the design to respond to the contours of the building site, something that more conventional barriers fail to accomplish.
Like a snake devouring its prey, the acoustical barrier bulges along its length, creating the Hessing Cockpit, a showroom for its many expensive automobiles. It location and orientation towards the highway must be an intentional move, as the potential buyer can look outside and daydream about getting that shiny Lamborghini on the road. Architecturally, this works both ways, especially at night when the illuminated showroom displays its wares to those rushing by at 120kph (75mph).
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