A city is never completely quiet, nor does it need to be. But a healthy city does offer its residents a choice between liveliness and tranquillity. That is why, in 2021, the city of Antwerp launched the innovation project Luwte- en Geluidsplanning (Calmth and Sound Planning): a multi-year study with various partners, including Soundtrackcity, into how design and layout can contribute to a pleasant sound experience.
In a bustling metropolis like Antwerp, there is always something going on, but that also brings with it noise pollution. In 2024, 48% of Antwerp residents reported being bothered by noise, mainly from traffic. The city therefore wants to actively work on a healthy sound climate and places of tranquillity where residents can relax.
During the innovation process, seven urban development projects investigated how quiet spots could be created in the urban fabric. Quiet spots are accessible, small-scale oases of tranquillity, often with a green-blue character, offering security and shelter from the wind and weather. They invite you to take a breather, in the middle of the city, yet away from the hustle and bustle.
Designers, planners and sound experts worked together on new strategies to consciously use sound in urban development as a positive factor rather than just a nuisance. By designing the environment in such a way that the space has a pleasant sound climate, not only is disturbing noise reduced, but positive sounds are also amplified, from children playing to rustling trees.
Raising awareness about sound and silence
On 21 October, the Inspiration Day on Quiet and Sound Planning took place in Antwerp, the closing event of the innovation process. Designers, urban planners, sound experts and policymakers came together to exchange knowledge and experiences about the importance of tranquillity and a healthy sound climate.
During the afternoon, Michiel Huijsman led a listening walk along a social housing development in Wilgenstraat, where there is currently a significant lack of quiet areas. The buildings are also outdated and in need of renovation. It is an area that is currently being redeveloped and will accommodate social housing, a primary school and a nursery. The project definition: a sustainable, low-traffic neighbourhood with comfortable passageways for cyclists and pedestrians. The redevelopment thus offers opportunities to combine urban densification with a pleasant living environment and sound quality.
The walk showed how the sensory experiences of residents provide insight into the sound quality of a place and how that knowledge can be translated into measures to design pleasant urban environments.
This walk and numerous other special excursions marked the end of the four-year innovation project “Luwte- en Geluidsplanning” (Calmth and Sound Planning). The innovation project provided support during the design phase in the field of acoustic design and the creation of quiet areas in the public domain. This approach helps designers and policymakers to take measures that contribute to a pleasant and healthy urban sound environment, in which sound, tranquillity and urban liveliness are in balance.
All insights from the process have been compiled by the City of Antwerp in the Guide “Luwte- en Geluidsplanning”.
