Author Description

Sound is an important component of the urban environment. In recent years there have been many major new developments in the field of urban sound environment. New noise control measures, calculation models, and design methods have been developed. In environmental policies, noise problems have been paid great attention at various levels. The importance of soundscape, acoustic comfort and sound environment design have been widely recognised, which is a step further from simply reducing urban noise level. State-of-the-art developments in urban sound environment are presented in this book, which also provides essential knowledge and basic principles in this area. The three main facets of urban sound environment which are covered are: Sound evaluation - not only noise annoyance and relevant regulations but also acoustic comfort, and soundscape with positive sounds. Sound prediction - sound modelling at micro-scale such as streets/squares as well as noise-mapping at macro-scale such as a whole city/region. Sound environment creation - the effects of architectural and urban design options. This book combines technical presentation and an interdisciplinary approach with suggestions for practical application and design through a series of case studies. Whilst the introductory chapter provides some background knowledge of elementary acoustics, other chapters are self-contained to help readers who are not familiar with specific fields. The book is relevant to researchers, practitioners and students in a number of disciplines and sectors, including urban planning, architecture, landscape, acoustics and noise control, environmental science, civil engineering, transport engineering, andenvironmental psychology/sociology. About the Author: Jian Kang is Professor of Acoustics at the School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, UK