“Day against noise” focuses on pleasant-sounding open spaces
Published: Sunday, Apr 21st 2024, 05:40
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Next Wednesday, the "Day against Noise" will take place under the motto: "Open your ears when planning: loud is out". The focus is on designing pleasant-sounding open spaces. The organizers are calling on authorities, planners, developers and other responsible parties to take action.
According to the "Day against Noise" coordination office, it is important to consider both visual and acoustic aspects when designing everyday outdoor spaces. The value of quiet recreational areas close to residential areas for well-being, health and also as an attractiveness factor for cities and communities is undisputed.
The acoustic quality of a place depends not only on the volume, but also on the quality of the sounds, the report continued. The design of the surroundings and whether sounds are shielded by obstacles and absorbed or reflected by surfaces are also decisive factors.
On the one hand, the quality of stay in a place can be improved with new sounds such as water, the rustling of leaves or the promotion of birdsong through greenery. On the other hand, according to the coordination office, objects or materials can also contribute to the quality of stay as acoustic features.
Green areas or loose materials such as sand and gravel are porous and absorb sound. They reflect noise less than concrete or asphalt and are therefore good for the ear. Low walls and hedges, for example, absorb traffic noise better, making passing vehicles sound less aggressive. Unsealed surfaces and hedges also reduce heat and promote biodiversity.
The action day is organized by the Swiss Noise League, the association of cantonal noise protection experts Cercle Bruit, the Swiss Society for Acoustics and the Doctors for Environmental Protection. The sponsors are supported by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH). The day of action was launched in 1996 and Switzerland took part for the first time in 2005.
©Keystone/SDA
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