Laura Estévez Mauriz

Towards the integration of urban sound planning in urban development processes: the study of four test sites within the SONORUS project

Abstract Noise pollution in urban environments is today a major problem affecting inhabitants of many European cities. Reducing noise is therefore a necessity. As a result, many cities now have noise action plans comprising concrete actions to tackle noise issues in affected areas. Nevertheless, these often isolated documents only address existing problems. In order to change this practice an integrated strategy is necessary. A new approach to urban sound planning, a holistic approach, is being developed and tested within the SONORUS project and it is described in this paper. SONORUS, the Urban Sound Planner project, is an initial training network (ITN) that is educating researchers in a whole range of acoustic disciplines, as well as in advanced urban planning processes. An essential part of this training is the application of the holistic approach to real test sites. Although this is an ongoing work, a few innovative techniques were already developed and its application to the test sites resulted in improved urban sound planning tools. This paper promotes the discussion about the implications that the holistic approach might have in urban sound planning policies and how it can be a driving force for changing the noise pollution situation in urban environments.

Traffic dynamics, road design and noise emission: a study case

Traffic management and traffic design have been issued as the main solutions to reduced problems related to mobility. In relation with noise mapping, traffic simulation is usually based on macroscopic modelling, with e.g. mean speed and flow as output. However, dynamics in terms of acceleration have a strong influence on noise emission. In the current paper, road traffic noise emission is calculated with dynamic traffic as input. A real case, now in planning stage, is used as a setting containing several traffic design alternatives. The resulting total noise emission is calculated for the different traffic and road design solutions by using a microscopic traffic simulation model (VISSIM) combined with a model for noise emission (CNOSSOS-EU). The qualities of the resulting traffic and noise situations are discussed.

Spatial heterogeneity for environmental performance and resilient behavior in energy and transportation systems

This paper describes an assessment of the effects of spatial heterogeneity on the future performance and resilience of an urban area. For this, indicators of environmental performance and resilience of critical infrastructures (energy and transportation systems) are explored. The approach combines established methododologies of building performance simulation, energy systems analysis, and environmental impact assessment of buildings and transportation systems. The study is centered on future urban design scenarios for an industrial neighborhood in Switzerland. For this case study, multi-functionality is proportional to the performance and resilience of critical infrastructures. Mono-functionality improves the resilience and performance of energy systems with a negative effect on that of transportation systems. Building intensity, and resource intensive users were found to play a higher role into the future performance and resilience of the area. The findings of this research could complement planning approaches of sustainable and resilient urban areas.