Roads in the open countryside
Freeways Denmark’s freeway network was laid out after the Second World War. Although architectural aspects were already included in the work of siting and designing the first freeways, not until the end of the 1960s were the factors given a more permanent status to ensure that new roads harmonized with the landscape. At the same time, work began to improve the design of road equipment.
A characteristic feature of Danish freeways is a careful treatment of the landscape and terrain that rarely produces stark contrasts. Signage and other equipment are kept at a minimum and the absence of billboards, art, and other distracting and defacing elements in the road’s immediate vicinity emphasizes the desire for clarity and simplicity. Lighting fixtures illuminate feeder lanes and exits, but otherwise there is almost no artificial lighting in the open countryside.
Today careful attention is paid to all new freeway projects, four-lane highways, and expressways, with architectural aspects given high priority. Denmark also has a good tradition of collaboration among engineers, architects, landscape architects, and clients that yields visible results in the landscape. Active and goal-oriented political will and good planning have made Danish freeways distinctive for their simple design.
Beautiful Roads - A Handbook of Road Architecture
27
