ANALYSIS OF THE DEGREE OF STUDY AND GLOBAL EXPERIENCE IN OPTIMIZING URBAN NOISE POLLUTION

Abstract

А collection and analysis of domestic and international publications on the impact of noise pollution on the physical and emotional well-being of mega-city residents were conducted. It was found that noise pollution directly affects the quality of life and the physical and mental health of people, leading to significant economic losses through medical expenses, deaths, and a decrease in the market value of real estate located near noise sources. Moreover, it was discovered that noise negatively influences not only the physical well-being of humans but also the behavior of urban animals and birds, compelling them to adapt their mating rituals and communication methods. While these behavioral changes help animals be more audible in noisy environments, they impact the reproductive success of certain species, potentially leading to their extinction and causing an ecological catastrophe. The study identified a global trend of lagging efforts to combat urban noise and solve problems only after their existence is acknowledged. The research explored the primary internationally recognized and widely used tools for reducing noise levels in urban environments, including methods within the field of landscape architecture: functional zoning of urban areas, construction of noise reduction screens (NRS), installation of noise-absorbing road surfaces, traffic restrictions, or speed limits, and the creation of green barriers, among others. Furthermore, the article outlined the main trends in the future development of improving sound comfort in cities, such as the establishment of "quiet zones" and the creation of unique soundscapes in contemporary mega-cities. Examples include the iconic sounds of Big Ben in London or the call to prayer from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, which provide emotionally rich experiences. In a broader sense, acoustic comfort should not be considered solely as the absence of noise but rather as a situation where acoustic environments offer significant opportunities for human development and careful consideration of their physical and mental well-being.