Avoid unwanted sounds

This involves strategic localisation of sensitive functions in positions sheltered from noise. Sheltered positions can be secured if there is sufficient distance to the noise source or by making use of the ‘sound shadow’ from existing structures like buildings and/or topography. Noise has been shown to have negative effects on health¹ , including our ability to communicate², to sleep³, and to feel acoustic comfort⁴. It also affects our willingness to help other people⁵. Absence of noise, on the other hand, correlates with tranquillity⁶, an important quality in parks, pocket parks and housing areas.

 

References:
¹Basner, M., Babisch, W., Davis, A., Brink, M., Clark, C., Janssen, S. & Stansfeld, S.. Auditory and non-auditory effects of noise on health. Lancet, 383(9925), 2014, pp. 1325-1332
²Gehl, J.. Life between buildings : using public space. Copenhagen: The Danish Architectural Press, 2006.
³WHO. Night noise guidelines for Europe. Regional office for Europe: World Health Organisation, 2009.
⁴Yang, W. & Kang, J… Acoustic comfort evaluation in urban open public spaces. Applied Acoustics, 66(2), 2005, pp. 211-229
⁵Cohen, S. & Spacapan, S.. The Social Psychology of Noise. In: Jones, D.M. & Chapman, A.J. (eds.) Noise and society. Chichester: Wiley, 1984.
⁶Pheasant, R., Horoshenkov, K., Watts, G. & Barrett, B.. The acoustic and visual factors influencing the construction of tranquil space in urban and rural environments tranquil spaces-quiet places? The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 123(3), 2008, pp. 1446-1457.