The Sounds Around Us in Cities and Buildings

Abstract

Sound surrounds us every day, whether we are inside buildings or moving around our cities. But what is “sound” and what is “noise?” What effects can arise from exposure to one or the other? This article will introduce the complex and fascinating world of sound, highlighting the opportunities that acoustic scientists have to reduce noise pollution and to design cities and buildings that sound good to our ears, to improve people’s health and wellbeing.