Urban Acoustic Environment

Abstract

Acoustic environment is an important aspect of the overall urban environment, and in the last decade or so, major new developments have come to light in the field in terms of research and practice. Urban acoustic environment covers a wide range of issues, of which this chapter discusses some key factors. Urban noise evaluation and regulation are first introduced. Various prediction and simulation methods for sound propagation in micro-scale urban areas as well as techniques for large-scale urban noise-mapping are then presented. A series of noise control measures and design methods relating to the built environment are also described. Finally, soundscape is introduced, which is a major step further from simply reducing urban noise level. Learning Scope: On successful completion of this chapter, readers will be able to: (1) Understand sound environment in urban areas in terms of noise evaluation and regulation (2) Have familiarity with sound propagation simulation and prediction, as well as noise control techniques and (3) Gain basic knowledge in urban soundscapes.