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You may be a monk by day and a party animal by night, but whatever the case, one thing is sure - you live on planet Earth. For now, at least. (Let’s face the truth, Mr. Elon Musk!)
Hopefully, the world can serve both sound and silence. To find what your heart desires, you simply have to change your physical location.
In the great orchestration of life, cities are the vibrant notes that compose the symphony of sound. From the bustling streets to the serene parks, each urban centre has its unique auditory character.
To help you find your oasis of sound, we travelled the world, and now we want to share with you the journey that uncovered the loudest and quietest cities across the globe.
Essential Facts about City Sound and Noise
Echoes of Music in Urban Canyons: In bustling cities like New York, the tall buildings in places like Times Square can create a unique effect where the sounds of street performers' music bounce off the surfaces, making the music seem even more lively and immersive.
Whispering Galleries of Zurich: Swiss cities like Zurich have introduced quiet zones within the urban landscape, offering dedicated spaces for peaceful contemplation amidst the urban hustle. These zones are like secret oases of tranquility within the city's energy.
The Invisible Noise Art of Reykjavik: Reykjavik, the capital of Iceland, boasts a lack of traffic lights, contributing to its calm atmosphere. This absence of visual noise allows residents and visitors to focus on the beauty of their surroundings without the usual distractions.
Ephemeral Nature of Wellington Roar: Wellington, New Zealand, experiences the "Wellington Roar," a name for its legendary strong winds. These gusts can be so powerful that they can even lift people off the ground momentarily, creating an unusual interaction between wind and the city's soundscape.
Tokyo's Crossing Crescendo: In Tokyo's famous street crossings like Shibuya Scramble, the noise from people crossing the road can sometimes reach levels comparable to the roar of a chainsaw, creating a unique and vibrant urban auditory experience.
How City Noise Affects Our Brain
City sounds have a profound impact on the human brain and emotions. The constant barrage of noise, such as honking horns, sirens, and chatter, can lead to increased stress levels and even affect mental well-being. Research has shown that exposure to chronic urban noise can contribute to heightened anxiety and reduced cognitive function.
For instance, the symphony of car alarms and construction work in New York's Times Square, while iconic, can overstimulate the brain, potentially leading to fatigue and decreased focus. While these lively cities offer vibrant cultural scenes and dynamic experiences, the relentless storm of noise highlights the importance of seeking out pockets of calm amidst the urban noise to safeguard mental well-being.
On the other hand, the calming absence of traffic lights in Reykjavik, Iceland, creates a serene environment that allows the brain to relax and process information more effectively. In these quiet cities, the harmony between human activity and the gentle sounds of nature fosters an environment where mental rejuvenation flourishes, offering a salve for the modern soul.
Additionally, the organised efficiency of Japanese train stations, like those in Tokyo, demonstrates how minimising excessive announcements can provide a mental respite, allowing commuters' minds to recharge amidst the urban hustle.
Urban Planning and Soundscapes
Urban planning plays a crucial role in shaping the soundscapes of cities, influencing both the loudness and tranquillity of urban environments. The way cities are designed—whether it’s through the layout of roads, the concentration of high-rise buildings, or the placement of green spaces—directly impacts the levels of noise experienced by inhabitants. Densely populated areas with limited vegetation and heavy traffic tend to amplify noise, creating a louder sound environment. A study published by the World Health Organization found that areas with poor urban planning often experience noise levels exceeding 70 dB, which is harmful to human health.
On the other hand, cities that incorporate green spaces, sound barriers, and strategic zoning can mitigate the effects of noise. Modern urban planning techniques, such as creating buffer zones between residential and industrial areas, building noise-dampening façades on structures, and using tree-lined streets as natural sound absorbers, have proven effective in reducing city noise.
Furthermore, "quiet zones," where noise levels are actively controlled, are becoming more common in cities that prioritise the mental and physical well-being of their residents. Soundproofed infrastructures and traffic flow design also play a major role in determining the noise levels of an urban area.
Top 5 Loudest Cities
The loudest cities are often characterised by their bustling markets, vibrant cultural scenes, and the harmonious chaos that comes from millions of lives intersecting.
#5 Mexico City, Mexico | 80+ dB*
Mariachi bands, street food vendors, and the lively chatter of locals create a festive, dynamic atmosphere that characterises Mexico City's audial identity.
The Sound of Mexico: The infectious sound of a "Sonidero" DJ's booming announcements and vibrant cumbia music, combined with the laughter of children playing in a plaza and the aroma of street food, captures the lively and communal spirit of Mexico City.
#4 New York, USA | 80+ dB
The city that never sleeps boasts a symphony of sirens, street musicians, and the rhythmic clatter of subway trains. The bustling streets and vibrant nightlife contribute to its energetic audial profile.
The Sound of New York: The syncopated beats of a subway musician's drumming echoing through the underground corridors, merging with the voices of street performers and the constant background hum of city life, embodies the diverse and vibrant soundscape of New York.
#3 Mumbai, India | 85+ dB
Mumbai's megacity rhythm is composed of street vendors, bustling markets, and the constant hum of vehicles, forming a dynamic soundscape that embodies urban vitality.
The Sound of Mumbai: The distinct clattering rhythm of Mumbai's local trains, punctuated by the enthusiastic "dabbawalas" calling out directions and the lively chatter of commuters, symbolises the city's relentless energy.
#2 Delhi, India | 85+ dB
In Delhi, honking horns and bustling bazaars contribute to a vibrant cacophony. The bustling energy of markets and the ever-present traffic create a rich tapestry of urban noise.
The Sound of Delhi: The rhythmic chaos of honking horns, blending with the bustling market vendors' calls and the distant echo of traditional street musicians, encapsulates Delhi's vibrant and multifaceted auditory landscape.
#1Tokyo, Japan | 90+ dB
Known for its iconic Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo's energetic buzz is unmistakable. The sounds of trains, traffic, and vibrant street life blend into a symphony of urban dynamism.
The Sound of Tokyo: The melodic tune of a departing train's chime at a Japanese railway station, combining efficiency and elegance, captures Tokyo's blend of modernity and tradition.
Find more about the Story Behind the dB Measurement here
The Impact of Noise Pollution on Health
Noise pollution is increasingly recognised as a significant public health issue. Studies have shown that exposure to high levels of noise, especially in urban settings, can lead to various health problems, including stress, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular diseases, and even cognitive impairment. According to a study by the European Environment Agency, long-term exposure to noise levels above 55 dB can increase the risk of heart disease by 3%. Residents in the loudest cities often report higher levels of anxiety, irritability, and difficulty concentrating, all of which can stem from constant noise exposure.
Conversely, the quietest cities, where noise rarely exceeds 40 dB in residential areas, offer significant health benefits. Inhabitants of these areas experience lower stress levels, better sleep quality, and improved mental health. Measures to mitigate noise pollution, such as promoting the use of electric vehicles, establishing green corridors, and enforcing strict noise regulations, are essential to improve urban dwellers' health. Cities like Zurich and Vienna have already implemented noise reduction programmes that have noticeably enhanced the well-being of their residents.
Regional Noise Pollution: Spotlight on UK Cities
Recent studies have shed light on noise pollution levels across various UK cities, highlighting areas where residents are particularly affected by noisy neighbours.
In Eastbourne, for instance, there were 732 noise complaints linked to neighbours between April 2020 and March 2021, equating to 708 complaints per 100,000 people.
Similarly, in Worcester, there were 339 noise complaints during the same period, amounting to 77 complaints per 10,000 households. Blackpool also reported significant figures, with 1,196 complaints, translating to 77 per 10,000 households.
These statistics underscore the prevalence of noise disturbances in specific regions, emphasising the need for effective noise management strategies.
Top 5 Quietest Cities
Quiet cities often offer a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle, where nature's symphony takes centre stage and the rush of life subsides.
#5 Zurich, Switzerland | Around 35 dB
Zurich's dedication to quiet zones and serene urban planning results in a gentle hum of trams and the soft rustle of lakeside trees, contributing to a peaceful audial atmosphere.
The Sound of Zurich: The gentle hum of trams gliding smoothly along the tracks mingles with the delicate rustling of leaves in the lakeside breeze.
#4 Castellfollit, Spain | Around 30 dB
Castellfollit's quiet charm contrasts with its dramatic basalt cliff setting. The hushed surroundings contribute to its serene ambiеnce.
The Sound of Castellfollit: The distant sound of birdsong echoing off the dramatic basalt cliffs forms a harmonious contrast with the hushed surroundings.
#3 Wrangell, USA | Around 25 dB
Wrangell, situated in Alaska, offers tranquillity amidst untouched wilderness and natural beauty.
The Sound of Wrangell: The soft crunch of footsteps on untouched wilderness trails, accompanied by the distant rush of a nearby river, envelops Wrangell in an auditory blanket of tranquillity.
#2 Reykjavik, Iceland | Around 25 dB
This serene city's stillness is broken only by the whispers of the wind. Reykjavik's soundscape is defined by its tranquillity, with minimal traffic and a prevailing sense of calm.
The Sound of Reykjavik: Amidst the calming whispers of the wind, the occasional chiming of distant church bells resonates through the stillness.
#1 Aurland, Norway | Around 20 dB
Aurland stands out as one of the quietest cities. Nestled in a remote Norwegian fjord, its natural beauty is accompanied by breathtaking silence.
The Sound of Aurland: The breathtaking silence of Aurland's remote fjord setting is only punctuated by the occasional sound of a distant waterfall or the delicate rustling of leaves.
Namaste, Norwegian people! And for the others, we have plenty of soundproofing solutions.
Cultural and Social Implications of Noise Levels
Noise levels in cities also carry deep cultural and social implications. In many cultures, noise is not merely an environmental issue but a part of daily life and social interaction. In bustling cities like Mumbai or New York, high noise levels are often accepted as part of the city’s vibrant atmosphere, with residents developing a higher tolerance for sound. In contrast, in quieter cities like Helsinki or Reykjavik, lower noise levels reflect a cultural preference for calm, order, and personal space.
The way societies regulate noise also varies greatly. In Japan, where public etiquette strongly discourages loud behaviour, noise levels in cities are kept comparatively low, even in densely populated areas. Cities in Latin America may experience higher noise levels, which are often linked to more communal social behaviours, such as late-night gatherings and open markets. These cultural attitudes towards noise influence urban policies and the enforcement of noise regulations, shaping the overall soundscape of a city and affecting how its residents interact with their environment.
So, whether you find solace in the hushed alleys of Zurich or dance to the rhythm of Mumbai's bustling streets, remember that every decibel paints a portrait of a city's soul. Embrace the diversity of sound and celebrate the symphony that is life.
*NOTE: dB levels are approximations and can vary widely depending on the location within the city, time of day, and other factors. It's important to note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific conditions, locations, and the constant change of population.
