Urban Refugee Integration in Rome of Prof. Hajo Neis Summer Program 2019

WATER Water REGENERATION
Regeneration
ACOUSTIC BARRIERS
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The lack of nature and water in peoples lives has created unheathy enviornments.
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Areas along street fronts are polluted with vehicle noise making such spaces
unpleasant to occupy.
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In Middle Eastern countries and several African countries, water is viewed as an oasis and
relief to the intense heat of these regions. Due to the rejuvenating power of water, it is
commonly used in fountains across cities of these regions which makes it easily accessible.
In our site with refugees from these regions, they are used to water fountains providing
relief from the heat. Some of these refugees are religiously involved in Muslim practices in
which fountains are also seen as sources of spiritual purity.
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Having these fountains play a fundamental role in their lives spiritually and
physically, allows the residents to gain a sense of comfort, and feel comfortable
in the new refugee housing complex.
When pedestrian spaces are located adjacent to those occupied by vehicles uncomfortable
noise levels are experienced. The heightened noise levels are problematic because they
make traffic seem more iminent and therefore more dangerous. Additionally, the presence
of unwanted noises makes the pedestrian spaces less pleasant to occupy and the enjoyment
and usability of such areas is greatly reduced. The addition of physical barriers between
pedestrians and vehicles protects users from undesirable noise conditions.
* * *
Creating a barrier (built/landscape/vegetation/etc) between pedestrians and
vehicles would result in more acoustic privacy, helping to establish a usable
space. This separation would reduce pedestrians’s exposure to vehicular noises
which may be disruptive or unsafe.