Design
The HSL will feature prominently in the landscape in some places, but the line has been designed in such as way, that it expresses respect for its surroundings. To the extent that the line disturbs the old situation, its appearance also adds a characteristic feature to the landscape. To give the line a balanced appeal, a number of functional, aesthetic and ecological principles were formulated for the design.
The design principles are:
- The line's negative effect on the surroundings must be minimised.
- The HSL is a high-quality structure and must be recognizable as a railway route.
Minimal negative effect on the surroundings
Since the negative effects of the HSL on the surroundings are to be kept to a minimum, the line runs parallel with existing infrastructure in many places, and the line's construction is as transparent and narrow as possible. In addition, the sound barriers are installed as close to the track as possible.
A recognizable whole
The line must be recognizable. This means that the visible structures of the HSL, the sides of the rail-bearing construction, the sound barriers, the viaducts and other civil engineering structures, must look roughly the same on the entire route. And these components must harmonise in terms of shape, material and colour, according to the guideline: modern and transparent, with form following from function.
A coherent aspect must also be created in the direct surroundings of the track, such as fences, electricity stations, tunnel buildings and rolling stock yards. However, a distinction is made between the HSL connecting Amsterdam with the Belgian border and the connection between the Hague and Breda. These sections will not have the same design. The idea behind this is that the HSL is to form only one line; Amsterdam –Belgian border - Paris, and that visually, it should not expand in other directions.
To express the character of the HSL – an innovative and high-tech contemporary culture exponent with international appeal – also in the line's design, a high-tech appearance was chosen: silver grey steel and futuristically styled overhead wire masts.
Furthermore, the line must be transparent. Accordingly, the sound barriers are fitted with see-through hardened glass. The bearing constructions and concrete rims are as thin as the construction requirements allow. For instance, the HSL is raised on slender legs in Rotterdam-West and in the greenhouse area at Bleiswijk, while the bridge over the Hollandsch Diep has a slim design, giving it an elongated look.
To make the line recognizable and more slender (and of course to reduce the noise) the (transparent) sound barriers and balustrades all have the same, slightly inward inclination along the entire route.