2023-12-15 11:29:32
Title: Antwerp Municipality Uses Fountains to Mask Traffic Noise in Parks
The municipality of Antwerp is experimenting with a unique solution to reduce the impact of traffic noise in parks along the ring road. Instead of simply relying on conventional noise-reducing measures, the city is turning to the soothing sounds of splashing fountains and singing birds to provide a more peaceful environment for park visitors.
According to research, 11.3 percent of people in the Netherlands suffered from serious noise pollution in 2021. This type of environmental noise has been linked to disrupting sleep and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, highlighting the importance of reducing noise levels in urban areas.
Erik Roelofsen, former director of the Dutch Noise Pollution Foundation, emphasized the importance of focusing on noise prevention in urban planning. He suggested that spatial solutions such as noise barriers and absorbing materials, along with reducing car use, could help mitigate excessive noise levels in cities.
In collaboration with Ghent University and sound artists, the municipality of Antwerp is working on the design of Brilschanspark to include fountains that will help mask the noise of passing traffic. Professor Timothey van Renterghem explained that the fountains serve to distract park visitors from the sounds of cars, providing a mental and acoustic reprieve.
The research aims to find the most pleasant and effective sounds, such as the sound of moving leaves or birds, to create a more enjoyable urban environment. This combination of noise reduction and cherishing pleasant sounds is seen as a critical step in creating a healthy and pleasant city environment.
By leveraging the peaceful sounds of nature, the city of Antwerp hopes to create a more enjoyable and serene experience for park visitors, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more harmonious urban landscape.]
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