**4.1 Preventive measures: Planning and design of the layout of infrastructures**

Fifteen sets of Preventive Measures were considered, which are shortly described as follows:

 Set 1 - General measures for all infrastructures: they refer to issues related to preliminary studies of landscape, namely the analysis of the planning instruments of the territory, the detailed survey of the intervention area (terrain, type of land use, land cover, natural and cultural values, roads, existing overhead lines and other infrastructures), the production of studies on view-sheds and 3D simulation projects, among others (fig.9).

Fig. 9. 3D simulations for different line designs

 Set 2 - General Measures for transmission and distribution lines: it includes examination and evaluation of the best solutions, based on studies of visibility from the main access points since landscapes with greater capacity for visual absorption should be considered as preferential for the implementation of lines. At the same time, landscapes with high scenic and natural/cultural values, namely those with a high degree of integrity and conservation, should be kept free of overhead lines.

It is also considered using the same pole as support for multiple distribution lines or for various infrastructures, namely telecommunications.


Integration of Infrastructures in Landscape –

An Opportunity to Landscape Planning Improvement 227

Fig. 11. Proposed integration of a substation in northern Portugal through terracing and

(a) (b)

planting schemes according to the character of the prevailing landscape

permanent crop area in line focus on the straight layout, following the linear array of the landscape; in the water landscapes, consider placing the line underground or using existing infrastructures over the water plan, e.g. bridges.


Fig. 10. Scheme explaining the preferable layout (left) of a distribution line in hilly landscapes – avoid perpendicular lines to the steepest gradient.


 Set 8 - Transmission and distribution lines in forest patches: focus on the crossing by stands of lower landscape quality, in particular, eucalyptus and acacia tree species, at the expense of forest patches of higher landscape value (visually and ecologically). Set 9 - Transmission and distribution lines in compact forests of evergreen and large species: the layout of the lines should follow existing forest roads or forest clearings; and also consider the use of off line easement areas; in the slopes steeper than 1:3, not

existing infrastructures over the water plan, e.g. bridges.

considering paths perpendicular to the line of greatest slope (fig.10).

Fig. 10. Scheme explaining the preferable layout (left) of a distribution line in hilly

 Set 10 - Transmission and distribution lines in compact medium-sized woodlands: safeguard the permanence of the existing vegetation in the 'right-of-way' areas so that the height of the pole should be as small as possible so that, together with the line, they

 Set 11 – Transmission and distribution lines in agricultural areas of permanent crops: give preference to placement of poles along the lines of culture and paths since line

 Set 12 - General measures for substations: prioritize areas with land use with less visual and ecological value and in accordance with the topography of the place to minimize the areas of excavation and landfill; develop appropriate slopes to allow their landscaping with the use of vegetation; consider, in the purchase of land to implement a substation, a marginal area to develop a landscape project aiming its integration (fig.11). Set 13 - Substations in urban areas: consider the integration of substations in buildings and the construction of compact substations or underground substations; consider the possibility of creating a rooftop as an opportunity for providing space of interest for

 Set 14 - General measures for transformer stations: consider the integration of transformer stations in existing built structures or attached to them, the incorporation in slopes or the combination with other elements of terrain modeling; consider the

 Set 15 - General measures for distribution cabinets: consider the establishment of cabinets on the walls of urban properties or on other structures, to avoid cluttering the sidewalks; consider the distribution cabinets as equipment subject to architectural

transformer stations as equipment subject to architectural design (fig.12).

landscapes – avoid perpendicular lines to the steepest gradient.

have reduced visibility above the trees canopy.

design should follow the geometry of the fields.

public use.

design.

permanent crop area in line focus on the straight layout, following the linear array of the landscape; in the water landscapes, consider placing the line underground or using

Fig. 11. Proposed integration of a substation in northern Portugal through terracing and planting schemes according to the character of the prevailing landscape

Integration of Infrastructures in Landscape –

**5. Conclusion** 

An Opportunity to Landscape Planning Improvement 229

Fig. 13. Enhancement of a landscape, affected by the placement of electrical infrastructures, aiming to accommodate social and recreational functions - case study in Lisbon region.

As conclusion, it may be stated that this process - the design and development of the Manual and the interaction between landscape specialists and company technicians - was the beginning of a journey where issues concerning the value of the landscape played a major role, independently of the scale of intervention. Actually, this was the chief focus of this work – to convey the idea that landscape is a major asset that has to be respected and protected according to its quality, sensibility and character. As specialists in landscape, the authors consider that it is important not only to develop worthy landscape integration projects, but also to share the perception on landscape issues and principles with nonexperts who also act in the landscape. This view implied the formulation of guidelines that could be well understood and applied to the formulation of proposals by non-specialists. Some joint projects carried out, under this work, between the authors and technicians of the Electricity Company has evidenced that the proposed guidelines can not only help to design better layouts, as far as landscape is concerned, but also to provide comprehensive guidance, i.e., serve as a framework for well-balanced designs, in general terms and after

Fig. 12. Landscape integration of transformer stations in relation to structures (a) transformer station built-in a wall; (b) transformer station attached to an existing construction; (c) and (d) transformer station built by extending an existing building.
