Noise is a major environmental health problem. In contrast to many other environmental problems noise pollution is still growing, and it is the only environmental impact for which the public’s complaints have increased since 1992.Our vision is that continuing abatement of emission from the noise sources (primarily traffic) in urban areas is combined with optimised design of soundscapes resulting in supportive sound environments in which every citizen can live a healthy and rich life free from direct as well as accumulated adverse health effects from noise.
The soundscapes vary with space and time. Great variations are resulting from acoustical shielding through buildings and special sound barriers. The variations can be created and utilised in a much more systematic way than hitherto so that the citizens have access to soundscapes – especially quiet sectors – which are supportive to their health and wellbeing. Thorough knowledge of effects on humans of such variations in soundscapes and how these variations are perceived and used by the citizens is a prerequisite for optimal utilisation in city and traffic planning.
The goal of the programme Soundscape Support to Health is to develop methods and models for optimising soundscapes in connection with traffic and city planning with respect to effects on health and wellbeing.
The programme is run in two phases. The goal of the programme Phase 1 has been to develop the scientific basis, methods and models for predicting and optimizing acoustic soundscapes in traffic noise exposed residential areas, with respect to desired perceived soundscapes and effects on health and wellbeing.
In Phase 1, a number of Application Examples (study sites) play a central role in the programme development and in the evaluation of the effects of changes of soundscapes. The goal has been to test the strategic approach of the programme and the models for prediction of soundscapes developed in practical applications and to demonstrate that
- an optimised design of the soundscapes from the point of view of perception and health can be realised
- the effects can be assessed and represent a significant improvement.
The goal of the programme Phase 2 is
- to demonstrate the benefits of soundscaping in residential areas through further examples of practical applications,
- to establish the efficiency of different mitigation methods in soundscape terms through laboratory studies,
- to develop the scientific basis, methods and models for extending the application of the healthy soundscape concept to restorative environments, and
- to implement health supportive soundscaping procedures in relevant directives and regulations from international, national, regional, and local authorities
The programme is funded by
MISTRA - The Swedish Foundation for Strategic Environmental Research (Phase 1 and 2),
Vinnova - The Swedish Agency for Innovation Systems (Phase 1), and
VV - Swedish National Road Administration (Phase 1)
The total budget is SEK 48.000.000 (corresponding to approximately 5.200.000 EURO).
Phase 1 of the programme started in the end of year 1999 and was finished at the end of year 2003. Phase 2 starts in the beginning of year 2004 and will be finished by the end of 2007.
A final report for Phase 1 is available as CD. A Summary of the report is given in Final Report Phase 1.
Results from the programme are continuously presented in international seminars and conferences, e.g. at Inter-Noise, and in various scientific and popular publications. A list of papers and articles related to the program is given in Publications.
