Urban design and noise limitation – case study

Noise is one of the main factors that can negatively affect human health and willingness towards living in a particular location. Over 30% of Europeans experience unwanted sound, especially in intensively urbanised areas. Ergo, the author devoted this article to present the research outcomes of an environmental study on urban acoustics. I considered a high-density residential area with a traffic node and a recreation zone. The investigation aimed at a series of on-site measurements of the real-life equivalent sound level A (LAeq) experienced daily by residents. Conclusions originate from the comparison between the researched data and reference values coming from binding European standards. They reveal areas where LAeq is fulfilled and exceeded, and measured levels correspond directly to the urban characteristics of investigated places. Thus, the article concludes with recommendations (suggestions) for architects, and urban and spatial planners aiming at noise reduction.