Traffic noise - unavoidable but manageable
To include possible measures against traffic noise in the earliest stages of planning makes sense. After all, prevention is always more cost-effective than cure.
Some 80 million people within the EU are subjected to unacceptable noise levels. And approximately 170 million are in some way disturbed by noise. In many of the world’s bigger cities, noise has become a public health threat, adding to stress and other disorders. The greatest noise problem is caused by traffic. In Sweden, it is estimated that over 1.5 million people are disturbed by the sound of traffic. Noise from trains and planes is a lesser problem – yet more than two million people (out of a population of nine million) are exposed to traffic noise exceeding 55 dB (A).
Unclear noise directives
Currently, there are no binding upper limits on noise levels. Though there are rules, guidelines and recommendations in existence, their legal status remains unclear. ÅF has worked with issues regarding traffic noise for many years, so we know what applies in practice. If we are involved in a project at the conceptual stage, we can help to resolve noise issues and contribute to a sound acoustic environment – with a minimum of noise and vibration.
On the quiet side of town
Urban environments are unavoidably noisy. But even in the most crowded cities, people have a right to a decent quality of life. At the very least, all planning discussions regarding housing should stipulate peace and quiet. A ‘quiet side’ of the house, an undisturbed bedroom or a silent outdoor area should be minimum demands for any residence. Surveys reveal that 70% of the population likes to sleep with an open window. Other reports indicate – unsurprisingly – that those with windows facing the street experience most noise, whereas those with at least one window facing a yard or garden do not complain of noise to the same extent.
Let competence and creativity go hand in hand
There have been numerous examples of successful housing projects – even in noisy environments. Common to all these success stories are two factors: 1) the problem of noise was raised early in the process and 2) the parties involved applied the principle of a ‘quiet side.’ Working closely with ÅFs experienced acoustic consultants, a skilled architect can create exciting residential designs with good acoustic environments – even though prospects may seem bleak at the outset.
Welcome to our knowledge portal about Sound & Vibration:
