The invisible tyrant: noise ruins the lives of city dwellers
In 2025, noise pollution will not just be a background urban hum, but a very significant negative factor, stealing years of life and billions of euros. According to the latest data from the European Environment Agency (EEA), more than 20% of Europeans - about 100 million people - suffer from traffic noise exceeding 55 dB. According to stricter WHO (World Health Organization) standards, the noise level in cities should not exceed 53 dB during the day and 30-35 dB at night, but more than half of the population of megacities lives in conditions where the noise level is much higher.
This “acoustic smog” is not just annoying: according to The Guardian, the annual economic losses from traffic noise in the EU reach 95,6 billion euros, or 0,6% of GDP, mainly due to reduced productivity and medical costs. Europeans suffer from chronic stress and sleep disorders, which lead to tens of thousands of premature deaths every year. Cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, depression and cognitive disorders - noise steals more than a million healthy years of life. Progress in the fight against this enemy is slow, as the EEA notes: urbanization and increased mobility only exacerbate the crisis. In conditions of a shortage of available plots in city centers, developers are actively developing industrial zones and sanzonas, which have their own specifics, often - increased noise background.
Mykola Morozov, Chief Architect of Archimatika
Chief architect of Archimatika Mykola Morozov believes that when solving the problem of acoustic pollution, urban planning policy must take into account many factors: “Urban space planning always has a very long perspective — tens, or even hundreds of years. In contrast, noise pollution is a more variable factor, it can increase or decrease over time.
Let's take the example of railways. It was precisely because of the noise from them that large sanitary protection zones were formed at one time, practically "dead" territories along the tracks, where almost nothing could be built. This significantly limited the development of urban spaces. And to this day, railways often cut cities into pieces, creating barriers to their development.
"Dead" areas along the tracks, if they are located in the city center, can be revitalized by providing acoustic barriers for commercial and residential development. Photo: Oleksandra Halytska
In more developed countries, this issue is being solved technologically: diesel traction is gradually being replaced with modern, quieter trains, and engineering solutions are being used to reduce noise. Therefore, it is important to realize that noise pollution is not a temporary inconvenience, but a real factor that affects the quality of life and requires systematic consideration at the design stage."
Concert halls as laboratories of silence: architectural lessons for cities
Even before the emergence of architectural or building acoustics as a discipline, architects used reliefs and ornaments on the surfaces of walls and ceilings as sound traps. Modernists welcomed the more laconic textured or corrugated concrete, and the maximization of glazing in buildings forced special attention to the acoustic calculations of projects, since glass has a high reflection coefficient and at the same time poor sound insulation.
"Building acoustics is not only a technical section of building physics, but also one of the key challenges of modern architecture," explains Oleksiy Sverchkov, Commercial Director of Schüco Ukraine. "It determines how buildings affect our sound environment: do they protect residents from the noise of a metropolis, do they create comfortable conditions for work and recreation, or provide perfect sound in cultural spaces. Today, noise in cities is increasingly compared to smog: it is not visible, but it directly affects the quality of life and health. Therefore, acoustic comfort is becoming an equally important task for an architect, along with energy efficiency and environmental friendliness. Architecture should not only be beautiful and functional, but also sound right."
Oleksiy Sverchkov, commercial director of Schüco Ukraine
Today, to gain an idea of modern approaches to acoustics, architecture students are studying The REACH project, an expansion of the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., designed by Steven Holl and BNIM and completed in 2019. The developers took into account all the shortcomings of the old box-shaped concert hall. The new pavilions with ruled-surface geometry — conical sections and hyperbolic paraboloids — disperse external traffic and crowd noise. Textured concrete with a “crumpled” surface for internal acoustic sound diffusion reduces noise levels by 20–30 dB. The acoustic architecture with its dynamic forms turned out to be highly aesthetic: the pavilions resemble waves or musical instruments, with curved lines that reflect the river and the sky, creating the illusion of a floating sculpture in the urban landscape.
The Hungarian House of Music (2022) in Budapest’s 200-year-old Városliget Park is another prime example. The cultural hub for concerts and recordings, designed by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto, uses a multi-layered glass shell with integrated acoustic panels to isolate it from the city’s hum: perforated glass exterior facades and double walls reduce traffic noise, creating an ideal acoustic space for orchestras inside.
It is logical that when designing buildings with a "musical specialization", the issue of acoustics is brought to the forefront. But the topic of combating noise pollution in megacities is being articulated more and more often.
A similar approach was used a little later by the developers of the German architectural bureau Staab Architekten during the construction of the Casals Forum - a home concert hall for the Kronberg Academy. The Forum was built according to the “box within a box” principle, where several glass walls of different geometries, installed on the basis of the Jansen-Economy 50 steel system, perform different functions: thermal envelope, spatial-forming and acoustic - so, the inner wall of the concert hall is made of glass panels, which were placed at different angles to achieve ideal sound echoes. PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA mentioned this project in the article “Dissolved in the landscape: the building as part of the ecosystem - the glass facade as a solution”.
It is logical that when designing buildings with a "musical specialization", the issue of acoustics is brought to the forefront. But the topic of combating noise pollution in megacities is increasingly being articulated, and architects and urban planners are turning to comprehensive solutions that combine technology with the natural landscape.
International experience: how architects work with noise in difficult conditions
The situation dictates: high density of construction and high rates of urbanization do not allow leaving large sanitary zones along railways and highways. Architects have learned to perceive noise not as an insurmountable obstacle, but as a challenge that forms a new quality of the urban environment. In Europe and the world, there are many examples of residential complexes built literally "in the line of fire": next to highways, railways or even airports.
The first line of the NN Kralingen residential complex acts as an acoustic barrier. Photo: Herman De Kovel
In the Kralingen district of Rotterdam, a residential complex has been built that forms a continuous line of buildings along a highway. NN Kralingen Architects used the buildings as a barrier that cuts off traffic noise and creates a peaceful interior space. In this way, the housing itself becomes an "acoustic shield" rather than a victim of the highway.
An even more difficult task is housing near airports. Studies by the AMS Institute and TU Delft have shown that the form of development can significantly affect noise levels: the well-thought-out geometry of facades and blocks reduces aircraft noise by an average of 10–14 dB. This proves that acoustics are not just a matter of double-glazed windows, but also the result of comprehensive urban design.
The Buitenschot Land Art Park project near Amsterdam Airport Schiphol is an innovative landscape park designed to reduce ground noise from the Polderbaan runway. Designed by H+N+S Landscape Architects in collaboration with local residents and scientists from the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO), the park addresses the noise problem with artistic elegance.
Artificial terrain around Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport diffuses sound, reducing aircraft noise by up to 10 dB. Photo: Irvin van Hemert
The idea for the project was born from an observation: local farmers noticed that aircraft noise decreased when their fields were plowed, as the furrows scattered the sound waves. Inspired by this, the designers created a system of 3-meter-high artificial hill-wedges. These relief elements, located on an area of more than 30 hectares between the residential areas of Hoofddorp and the airport, are designed at precise angles to reflect low-frequency sounds upwards, preventing them from spreading along the ground. Calculations carried out in a wind tunnel confirmed the effectiveness: the park reduces noise levels by 2-3 dB, and in some areas by up to 10 dB.
H+N+S Landscape Architects’ practice is unique in that they are able to see the aesthetic potential of purely engineering structures: sewage treatment plants, water protection dams. The work on the outskirts of Schiphol was no exception: the spatial plan was developed precisely as a recreational park filled with art objects. Thus, artist Paul de Kort added installations such as the “Listening Ear” - a parabolic bowl that focuses natural sounds, or a pool with wave patterns inspired by acoustics. From a bird's eye view, the hills appear to be a single large-scale work of land art. Completed in 2013, Buitenschot was part of Schiphol Airport’s broader strategy for acoustic comfort, where the landscape complements building technology.
Modern architects are increasingly working with noise-absorbing elements as part of the design. For example, projects of "acoustic corridors" along highways combine perforated panels with vertical landscaping. Such barriers not only reduce noise, but also form a new identity of the district, adding expressiveness and environmental friendliness to the city. In addition to planning solutions, local ones are often implemented - only at the facade level.
A green buffer, double facades and glazing successfully protect the residents of Lühmannpark from train noise. Photo source: service.iftra.de
In the Hamburg suburb of Henstedt-Ulzburg, the Lühmannpark residential area (2019) is located directly along the AKN railway line. The architects from Hansmann Heitgerken Architekten used double facades and glazed verandas to isolate the residents from the noise of the trains while maintaining the buildings’ minimalist aesthetic. The outer layer of the facade contains sound-absorbing panels and large glass surfaces that reduce the noise level by 15 dB. The balconies are transformed into quiet relaxation areas thanks to movable glass elements that provide panoramic views and noise protection.
Another example is the Ohm Gärten residential complex in Troisdorf (2020), located next to a railway line. This project, developed by HERING International, uses an innovative system - transparent noise protection walls made of laminated safety glass. Two 12-meter walls (each 8 m long, 48 panels weighing 300 kg) create an acoustic barrier, reducing train noise to a level of 37 dB. Glass with an anti-bird coating and thin metal supports ensures maximum transparency, while preserving natural light and a view of the green courtyard. The facades are minimalistic but technological: the glass and thin profiles give the complex the appearance of a "transparent garden". This system not only absorbs low- and mid-frequency sounds, but also integrates with ventilation solutions, allowing residents to enjoy fresh air without discomfort.
Modern architects are working with noise-reducing elements as part of the design. For example, “acoustic corridor” projects along highways combine perforated panels with vertical landscaping.
Soundproof walls made of laminated safety glass create an acoustic barrier, reducing train noise for residents of Ohm Gärten in Troisdorf. Photo source: maxit.de
Speaking about the methods used by designers at Archimatika, Mykola Morozov emphasizes that the team adheres to a comprehensive approach, using primarily spatial planning solutions.
Mykola Morozov: "Today, new noise-protection solutions are increasingly appearing in facade systems: double facades, special screens. This is especially relevant in office complexes near railways, where you can avoid the need to retreat 50–100 meters by compensating for noise with technological means. That is, the issue is solved not by banning construction, but by engineering.
The norms are gradually understanding that various functions can be located even in the noise pollution zone, if compensatory measures are applied: working with the relief, green spaces, screens or special structures. And this is the right approach. By the way, the railway is not always the biggest source of noise. People also live near airports. Yes, there is a problem of night noise there, but it is solved by high-quality windows and structures that ensure silence in the room even during the takeoff of the plane.
My position is this: noise pollution should be taken into account in city planning, but the problem should be solved technologically. If construction is carried out in an area of increased noise, then the project should be subject to individual technical requirements. This is much more effective than banning construction altogether.
As for practical solutions, we always start with spatial planning. If the site faces a noisy highway, we place public functions on the street facade: offices, retail space, apartments. And we place residential premises in the interior space, protected from noise.
Green screens are also actively working: planted trees, landscaped yards. It often happens that it is noisy directly on the avenue, and it is almost impossible to be there. But you only have to move a few dozen meters behind a building or a green strip - and the acoustic comfort is completely different. Such architectural and planning techniques really work and allow you to make urban spaces more comfortable for life.
Schüco's absorbent facades are becoming a stylish element of modern urban design. Photo courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Silence Factory: Schüco Acoustic Center in Germany
If a house has already been built, and the architects did not take acoustics into account at the time or the developer did not attach importance to this, the residents are actually left alone with discomfort. It also happens that external conditions change: a new road is laid nearby or the traffic flow increases - and the once quiet area finds itself in a zone of increased noise. In such cases, local solutions come to the fore: from point solutions - for example, installing soundproof windows in a specific apartment - to comprehensive programs for the reconstruction of the entire house using modern facade systems and engineering technologies.
The Schüco Technologiezentrum, located at the company's headquarters in Bielefeld, Germany, is home to one of the most modern acoustic laboratories in Europe, part of an accredited test facility, where around 800 sound insulation tests for windows, facades and doors are carried out every year. Founded in 2005 and accredited by DAkkS according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, the laboratory is equipped with a special stand (Bauakustik-Prüfstand) to simulate real-world scenarios: from street noise penetration to sound propagation between floors. The laboratory's specialists have developed key tools, such as the cloud-based Digital Acoustics Lab (DAL), which simulates sound insulation Rw up to 55 dB, and SoundCal for precise calculations according to DIN 4109-2:2016-07 and DIN EN 12354. The Schüco range covers a wide range of systems that meet the highest requirements for sound insulation.
The final result depends not only on the frame part of the structure or the facade - the acoustic barrier, but also on the correctly selected double-glazed window. Modern double-glazed windows are capable of "extinguishing" up to 55 dB, but the main challenge arises precisely when the room needs to be ventilated. Would you like to breathe fresh air, but the night noise from the highway or railway does not allow you to open the window? A familiar situation for most residents of large cities. And here the balance between ventilation and acoustic comfort comes to the fore - a task that Schüco began to solve back in 2007.
Sometimes, external conditions change and a once quiet area becomes a zone of increased noise. In such cases, local solutions come to the fore.
Oleksiy Sverchkov: "Initially, hidden hinges became part of the basic configuration of window systems. Their installation does not require interrupting the central seal, which forms a continuous sealing contour between the frame and the sash. This not only improves noise protection, but also prevents the accumulation of dust and soot in the area of the overhead hinges, and also eliminates the risk of freezing and the appearance of local "acoustic bridges". As a result, it was possible to increase the level of sound insulation of the systems from 35 to 42 dB.
Further development of this topic led to the creation of one of the most modern laboratories for studying the transmission of noise in enclosing structures in the Schüco technology center. Here, test buildings with a height of 2–3 floors can be erected and not only the penetration of noise from the street inside can be analyzed, but also its propagation between rooms and between floors. The results of the studies clearly proved that a two-span installation scheme for mullion-transom facades in residential buildings is undesirable. With such a scheme, one mullion, for example, 7,2 m long, is installed on two floors at once, and sound is transmitted through it practically unhindered. This solution may be acceptable for office, commercial or public buildings, but not for residential buildings. For high-rise residential construction, Schüco recommends using a single-span installation scheme or switching to frame solutions, in particular a prefabricated facade. Current data on the noise insulation characteristics of all Schüco systems are integrated into the SchuCal calculation complex. This allows architects and designers to assess the acoustic properties of structures and choose the optimal combinations of profiles and seals to achieve the specified parameters even at the facade development stage."
In addition to noise insulation systems, Schüco is actively developing the direction of ventilation - both natural and forced. For this purpose, a complete Schüco VentoTherm product line has been created, which allows you to ensure the flow of fresh air and improve its quality in the room without the need to open the window. The systems differ in throughput, the presence of fans, the level of exhaust air recovery, as well as additional functions - in particular, ozonation and air humidification. All these capabilities are integrated directly into Schüco window systems. At the same time, the components are fully compatible both in terms of installation and operation, and in terms of integration into "smart home" systems. Design is also an important aspect: Schüco solutions meet the highest requirements of modern architecture, combining technological feasibility with aesthetics.
The development of the Schüco Acoustic Window AWS 90.AC.SI allows users to receive fresh air without compromising on acoustic comfort. Image courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Oleksiy Sverchkov: “In addition, for the optimal combination of ventilation and acoustic comfort, Schüco has developed the AWS 90 AC.SI (Acoustic Window) system. This is a window that simultaneously “breathes” and protects against external noise. Thanks to the sound insulation cassettes integrated into the profile, the system is able to reduce noise by up to 34 dB in the tilting position and up to 47 dB in the closed position. At the same time, the possibility of natural air exchange in the tilting position is maintained, which allows users to receive fresh air without compromising on acoustic comfort. Unlike classic ventilation solutions, the AWS 90 AC.SI remains a full-fledged turn-and-turn window that can be opened completely for through-ventilation or maintenance from the inside. In addition, it is also available as a side-turn window with two opening modes. Thus, architects receive a universal tool for designing residential and public buildings in busy urban areas.”
A facade that can "listen" and absorb noise
The search for effective architectural and acoustic solutions continues in different countries. One of the striking examples is the student project Alternative Ceramic Designs by Yao Zheng and Jiade Wang from the Bartlett School of Architecture. The young architects proposed a revolutionary facade for urban buildings: ceramic panels with special cavities in the form of Helmholtz resonators. They are able to "filter out" low-frequency noise (from approximately 100 Hz), converting its energy into kinetic. Wave-shaped tiles in blue-white glaze reduce street noise by 15–20 dB, and different shades at the same time work as a visual marker: the color suggests which frequencies are absorbed. Such a facade becomes an art object that literally teaches the city to "listen" to itself.
Schüco's sound-absorbing slats have a dual purpose: noise absorption and sun protection. Image courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
This example clearly demonstrates that the architectural envelope is gradually becoming an active participant in the acoustic environment. And here Schüco has its own way. Previously in articles "Sun Catchers and Reflectors: How to Control Light with Architecture and Technology" PRAGMATIKA.MEDIA talked about FACID NOX textile facades that can purify the air from harmful impurities, and today we are talking about creating facades that can absorb noise. This is a new dimension of architectural quality: when a wall not only reflects a sound wave, but also actively works with it, making urban space quieter and more comfortable.
"Due to their shape and porous structure, absorbent panels significantly reduce the level of noise pollution on city streets. Such slats have a dual purpose: noise absorption and sun protection," — Oleksiy Sverchkov
Oleksiy Sverchkov: “As already mentioned, today we are actively working to ensure that residents of megacities are comfortable not only indoors, but also outdoors. For this purpose, special external absorbing panels are being developed, which, thanks to their shape and porous structure, significantly reduce the level of noise pollution on city streets. Such lamellas have a dual purpose: noise absorption and sun protection. At the same time, they allow architects to give facades aesthetic integrity and individuality. This is a very promising direction, because such solutions simultaneously solve several tasks, turning building facades into active assistants in creating comfort and quality of the urban environment. Unlike conventional building elements that reflect sound, sound-absorbing structures are able to absorb it. Facade solutions of this type use a built-in weatherproof sound absorber based on granules of foamed sintered glass. External perforated sheets or textile panels have about 30% of the open area through which sound waves enter. In the case of micro-perforated profiles, the acoustic effect is achieved through numerous holes with a diameter of less than 1 mm, with their total area being about 1% of the surface. Facade elements can have various shapes and design solutions:
- sound-absorbing panel made of perforated sheet;
- panel based on the FACID system;
- ALB sound-absorbing lamellas;
- microperforated profiles".
In modern practice, it is important to look at the bigger picture: not just at the building, but also at how it affects the entire block. That is why architects work together with acoustic engineers to anticipate risks at the design stage. Sound-absorbing facades “work” with noise in the same way that thermal insulation works with energy consumption. But, as Oleksiy Sverchkov reminds us, we should not forget about classic urban planning techniques: green courtyards, protected interior spaces.
Schüco VentoTherm technology ensures fresh air flow into the room without the need to open the window. Image courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Ukrainian context: development in noisy conditions
The problem of noise pollution is no less relevant for Ukrainian cities than for European megacities. At the same time, this aspect is often left "behind the scenes" when designing housing, although, as Oleksiy Sverchkov explains, Ukrainian building codes are almost the same as European ones.
“In Ukraine, the standards for sound insulation of buildings are regulated by DBN V.2.6-31:2020 “Buildings and structures. Protection against noise”, while in Europe and Germany the DIN 4109 “Sound Insulation in Building Construction” standard is used.
If we compare the requirements for windows, facades, and external walls, they are mostly similar: Ukraine — ≥ 30–35 dB, Europe — ≈ 32–35 dB (minimum), in the premium class — 38–40 dB.
Thus, Ukrainian standards almost coincide with the minimum European requirements. To ensure comfort in residential premises located near active highways or in the city center, architects and engineers often use double-glazed windows and insulated facades, which allows achieving Rw ≥ 38–40 dB - a level that meets the European comfort standard. At the same time, these standards do not take into account the location of the building, the intensity of traffic flows and other factors of the urban environment.
For example, in Lviv, literally right next to the airport, a large-scale residential development is planned, designed for approximately 14 thousand residents. The state enterprise “Lviv International Airport named after Danylo Halytskyi” states that the project was not agreed with it, and has already warned that the territory falls into a zone of constant aircraft noise — up to 85 dBA. For comparison: this is a noise level close to the operation of a jackhammer. The airport is still closed due to the war, but when it resumes operation, the residents of the new quarter (if it is built without special acoustic solutions) will be very uncomfortable.
External absorbent panels, thanks to their shape and porous structure, significantly reduce the level of noise pollution on city streets. Image courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Another Lviv case is the plans to build a new residential area on Luhanska Street in Lviv, right next to the railway tracks. This is a classic situation, where even at the design stage, double facades, orientation of living rooms to the courtyard, and a green buffer should have been envisaged. But public materials do not contain any explanations of how exactly they plan to deal with noise. In the worst case, the problem is actually transferred to the residents, who will be forced to look for their own solutions.
"Unfortunately, the implementation of acoustic solutions during the construction of facilities in Ukraine still leaves much to be desired. By the way, the same situation is observed with sun protection measures. Developers mostly do not consider this problem urgent, and the costs of solving it are necessary. As a result, all issues related to the fight against noise pollution are shifted to the shoulders of residents and property owners," says Oleksiy Sverchkov. "If we talk about the results that we have already managed to achieve, then first of all it is worth noting the use of hidden fittings, which eliminates "acoustic bridges". We were the first to start implementing it everywhere, and today it is the basic standard in all our projects. This applies to both windows based on mid-range aluminum systems and solutions of the higher segment. We also see great potential in the development of Schüco FACID textile facade systems. They have already demonstrated their effectiveness in the Unbroken project in Lviv, and this experience has confirmed that such solutions can become an effective tool in the fight against urban noise, while enriching the architectural expressiveness of buildings. We are open to cooperation with architects, investors and specialized construction companies. We have not only practical experience, but also a clear understanding of the relevance of this issue.”
According to the expert, the situation can only be changed at the level of state policy. Clear legislative initiatives are needed that would establish the minimum permissible noise level parameters for new buildings. Ukraine has already gone a similar way in the field of energy saving: at one time, the introduction of new norms forced developers to pay attention to the thermal insulation of facades, windows and doors. As a result, today the level of energy efficiency of housing can be considered quite high - precisely thanks to the norms that have become mandatory. This is a prime example of how regulation can stimulate qualitative changes in construction practice.
According to the expert, the situation can only be improved at the level of state policy. Clear legislative initiatives are needed that would establish minimum permissible noise level parameters for new buildings.
The Commercial Director of Schüco Ukraine notes several of the most common mistakes in the design of enclosing systems that affect energy efficiency and acoustic comfort in Ukrainian buildings, and explains whether they can be corrected using Schüco technology during renovation and reconstruction: “Most often, we encounter the fact that glazing systems are chosen incorrectly. It is quite common for architects or developers to use solutions intended for office centers or commercial buildings in multi-storey residential complexes. This significantly affects both energy efficiency and the acoustic comfort of residents. The second common mistake is not taking into account the relationship between facade solutions and interior planning. Sometimes it happens that inter-apartment partitions are “superimposed” directly on the glazing plane. This creates serious technical problems for those performing facade work, and ultimately worsens the quality of the project. An equally important issue is the type of window opening. It is necessary to find a balance between high sound insulation and the possibility of effective ventilation. In practice, we see that this aspect is often forgotten.
Soundproof glazing becomes a reliable barrier to sound waves from the street. Image courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Schüco offers an effective solution - integrated ventilation devices VentoTherm. They are mounted together with the window and do not require additional holes in the walls, as is done for the installation of classic breathers. This allows you to maintain the integrity of the enclosing structures and ensure a comfortable microclimate in the room.
Another tip concerns buildings being built near areas of high noise pollution: railway stations, airports, motorways. In such cases, it is worth immediately considering acoustic solutions, for example, Schüco AWS 90 AC.SI window systems. They significantly reduce the level of noise from outside and allow residents to feel comfortable, even if the house is located in difficult conditions. This is a pragmatic approach, which, among other things, increases the market value and attractiveness of the property.
In general, we can say that facade systems are a very complex area where every detail matters. Mistakes at the design stage are expensive and difficult to correct during construction or reconstruction. Therefore, we always advise architects, developers and customers to contact specialists at the early stages. Only a comprehensive approach allows you to create a modern building that will be comfortable both in terms of energy efficiency and acoustics.
The use of concealed hardware eliminates “acoustic bridges.” Image courtesy of Schüco Ukraine
Acoustic monitoring as the basis of silence in the city
In 2023, scientists from the National University of Life Resources and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine conducted a thorough study of the level of noise pollution and its impact on human life. Measurements were carried out on the streets of the Holosiivskyi district of Kyiv, in particular, on Holosiivskyi Avenue and Heroiv Oborony Street, and in parallel in the city of Cologne, Germany. For the purity of the experiment, areas with different traffic conditions were selected: near residential buildings, directly next to the road and on a section with a sharp bend of the highway. The comparison showed that it was in Kyiv that a critical excess of permissible standards was observed: on Holosiivskyi Avenue, the noise level was 20–25 dBA higher than the standards. According to experts, about 80% of the capital's residents live in areas of constant acoustic discomfort, which directly affects their health and psychological state.
In Europe and the USA, stationary acoustic monitoring stations have been operating for decades, strategic “noise maps” have been created, and predictive models of sound propagation have been applied. Modern artificial intelligence algorithms are able to identify noise sources in real time — from road transport to industrial equipment — and help cities respond in a timely manner. As a result, acoustic monitoring is becoming not only a means of control, but also the basis for making urban planning decisions.
For Ukraine, the implementation of such systems could be an important step towards better urban policy. Acoustic design and thoughtful planning are among the most effective strategies for combating noise pollution, but like any strategy, they must be based on accurate data. They not only improve the quality of life of residents, but also set new standards for urban development.
