Reducing Noise Pollution in Urban Areas: Strategies and Solutions
Urban noise is a persistent problem that creates headaches for residents and businesses alike. Urban environments are each unique, subject to varying levels of different types of noises. And while a certain noise level can create a positive reaction as the inhabitants experience a vibrant and energetic atmosphere, in other cases, these sounds can create disruptions to work, family life, rest, and sleep.
To address this, consider Martin Gold, an associate professor from UF’s School of Architecture, and his team of students. They recently partnered with Siebein Acoustic, a soundscape design firm that specializes in architectural and environmental acoustics. The findings and recommendations were presented at the International Congress and Exposition on Noise Control Engineering in Nantes, France.
Understanding Noise Pollution in Urban Environments
To inform their work, researchers recruited participants to walk the city and report on their observations about sound and sights, took photo documentation, acoustic measurements, geographical measurements and analyzed municipal code studies. “We need to take a closer look at how we are designing the next generation of urban environments."
While cities are usually zoned single-use, the trend toward mixed-use development is creating more complex adjacencies with different types of noise-producing activities closer together. Locating a diverse mixture of spaces in close proximity can create challenges with isolation. When a leasing agent locates a spin studio adjacent to a meditation studio or an event center adjacent to an attorney’s office, it should make any tenant or landlord nervous. These are the types of calls we get on a regular basis, and they are much easier to resolve as part of the initial build-out of the tenant spaces.
Measuring and Analyzing Noise Levels
Many noise ordinances specify sound measurement in decibels (dB). The best way to understand the noise conditions is to take field survey measurements using data-logging sound level meters. This allows us to calculate the sound level and compare it to the requirements of the code. We also walk the site and take sound levels using a meter that records the level at each frequency band. By measuring the frequencies of the sound, we can figure out what the building envelope needs to keep these sounds out.
Imagine you’re in a busy city with lots of noise coming from different sources like traffic, construction, or people talking. Much of the time, the “annoyance factor” when it comes to environmental acoustics has to do with noise that is sharp and impulsive.
Long-term studies include a lot of data-weekday, weekend, night/day, rush hour-to give the most complete picture. Measurement is tailored based on the type of project and data required.
In addition to field measurements for environmental acoustics, sometimes reference data is available for an area. And more and more researchers are leveraging crowdsourced data to get a fuller picture of what noise profiles in urban environments look like. Computer modeling has become more sophisticated and plays a big role in environmental acoustic design, allowing us to test conditions and provide predictive analysis. In open air entertainment venues, we can characterize the noise source in the computer model, then, attenuate and mitigate with a combination of berms or hardscape onsite and beam steering for audio sources.
Regulations and Guidelines
Are there any regulations or guidelines in place to manage noise pollution in urban areas? Guidelines are driven by jurisdiction. Large cities usually have the most prescriptive detail in their noise ordinances, but county, state/province, federal, and International Building Code (IBC) ordinances/rules/regulations can also apply. Rating systems such as LEED, WELL, and CHPS include acoustic guidelines for sound isolation from both interior and exterior sources. In some cases, these ordinances provide specific values which are measurable. However, many include language which is highly subjective.
Strategies for Noise Reduction
Green space can lower noise levels simply through the lack of density. Small structures, such as walls or berms, can block sound and create areas of respite.
Salas O’Brien provides environmental acoustic consulting in urban areas for new construction, renovation, tenant buildouts, building equipment replacement, public venues, and litigation support for owner and tenant noise issues.
| Strategy | Description | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Green Spaces | Creating parks and green areas within urban environments. | Reduces noise levels, improves air quality, provides recreational areas. |
| Noise Barriers | Constructing walls or berms to block sound. | Creates quieter zones, protects residential areas from traffic noise. |
| Acoustic Design | Implementing soundproofing measures in buildings. | Reduces noise intrusion, improves indoor comfort. |
| Urban Planning | Zoning regulations to separate noise-sensitive areas from noise-generating activities. | Minimizes noise conflicts, promotes harmonious coexistence. |