Antwerp starts five pilot projects for a better noise climate
In a large city, there is a need for places where residents can retreat to even escape the crowds. So-called ‘lee and noise planning’, in which a pleasant sound climate is set up, is maintained. This includes both quiet and lively places.
The innovation trajectory aims to get designers and planners about this theme. They can discover which measures contribute to a healthy noise climate and can take that knowledge with them to subsequent projects.
In the exploratory process involved city services, districts and partners are brought together and are asked what to achieve in almost sixty project ideas. The five pilot projects are the following:
Stuivenberg Hospital, Moorkensplein, Copernicus
The three projects Stuivenberg Hospital, Moorkensplein and Copernicus are located in densely built-up districts. They are given a joint trajectory, with the focus on creating extra sheltered areas in the sheltered outdoor areas and in the effects of park spaces on the street side.
Lee-as center Wilrijk
This project consists of various sub-projects that cut through the center of Wilrijk from west to east. Depending on the phasing of the sub-projects, the city will investigate how it can improve the noise climate and shelter potential, or how the planned interventions can contribute to an expansion of the actions. Across the sub-projects, the city and the district are investigating how the concept of a combined sheltered axis can be given shape.
Park Brialmont
With the Park Brialmont master plan, the Berchem district and the city of Antwerp want to connect Berchem inside and outside the Ring into one park area of 42 hectares. The first phase was carried out.
In the second phase of the sub-zones Brilschanspark and the Wolvenberg nature reserve it will be the turn. In the pilot project, the possibilities for ‘soundscaping’ (the design of sound landscapes) are investigated to mask the environmental noise.
Wilgenstraat
On the Wilgenstraat in Antwerp-North, a project area with social housing, a school, childcare center and the former postal building is being redeveloped. Support is already provided during the design phase in the field of acoustic design and the creation of sheltered areas.
Hoboken Low Road
The city wants to transform the Lageweg project area in Hoboken into a mixed area with space for living, working, green spaces and urban functions. The innovation trajectory for shelter and noise planning will investigate how living, working and logistics can be interwoven with care for acoustic quality.