cv | works | sculptures | site specific | environmental | land art | architectural | publications | exhibitions | symposia/lectures | cities | encounters | accounts
proposal sketches for Nilai Memorial Park
Kuala Lumpur opening page | sound barrier meander | island ship | cremation stone field or mound | land art | sculpture
sound barrier meander
After we passed the gate of the Nilai Memorial Park, I was intrigued by the wooded area to the left of the entrance road. Driving along the shaded spaces under the trees I immediately found this to be an ideal location for a dike that meanders between the trees - approaching the car and receding again. I understand that certain structures are planned there. Possibly these and such a dike can support or compliment each other.

When we got out of the car at the office building I noticed the
continuous sound of the cars on the highway flanking the west of the
park, where the space is more open on that side. Also there such a meandering
dike would diminish the audiovisual effect
of the traffic, while not being too present. The play of light on the meander
would soften its effect. And, as in my sketch, trees could be used to carry
the view across to the landscape on the other side.
In combination
with my thoughts about a sound barrier, the available strips of land along
the highway could accommodate a meandering dike which would function as
a sound barrier. Using the earth on the park side of the dike would accomplish
two things: the practical one of using the same earth to build it, while
at the same time creating a body of water where the drainage ditch already
is a continuation of its course from the location of the ship/island. From
the air the meander can be perceived as symbolic for the water which floats
the ship. The demarcation line between the water and the dike will accentuate
the meandering movement as well as afford a reflection of the dike.
This could be greatly reduced by the introduction of an earthen wall along it. The form of such a barrier could strengthen the spaces of the park and create a feeling of enclosure and serenity, while at the same time eliminating the distracting movements of the traffic.

A straight dike between three and five meters high along the highway would of course eliminate most of the sound; but along with its blocking most of the direct sound, it could at the same time act as a visual barrier. This of course is an advantage as far as the view of the traffic is concerned, at the same time a certain feeling of confinement can be aroused. By undulating its movement along its path this effect will be moderated and the perspective would differentiate its height and make it seem lower where it recedes. A meandering dike would therefore be one solution. And by making a body of water alongside it would not only add to its appeal - it would reflect the meander, double its undulating movement and bring the sky into the park.

When done well the landscape on the other side of the highway can be lent by blending the elements to be used into it - in scale, color and material. By reducing the size of selected plants and trees as they near the highway two goals are achieved: they will blend with the lent landscape as well as take away the sounds reflected by any foliage reaching above the height of the barrier.
Kuala Lumpur opening page | sound barrier meander | island ship | cremation stone field or mound | land art | sculpture
search this site
3D anaglyph photographs of my sculpture
works©author: Lucien den Arend
© 1998/present denarend.com
Google
this site was developed by
DutchDeltaDesign
Penttilä
Seppäläntie 860 51200 Kangasniemi Finland
telephone +358 (0)44 264 12 12
