Westminster Open Spaces Noise Study 2008 Final Report

Westminster Open Spaces NoiseStudy 2008: Final Reportrequire a more holistic approach, giving visual, aural, sensual and even olfactory qualities moreconsideration.Whether there is a noise ‘tipping point’ for some open spaces (whereby they will always struggle toprovide any degree of tranquillity without dealing with man-made noise first), would need to beinvestigated further. However, it would make sense to ensure that where feasible open spacesenjoyed noise levels closer to the average rear façade (Westminster Noise Survey 2008) i.e. 55 dBgiven the large number of residents, workers and visitors that do not enjoy access to a rear façadespace. More importantly, the small number of open areas in Westminster where levels are belowthis, should be suitably designated and protected.Whilst a lack of medium sized sites may have skewed the results, the study identified a wholerange of sensory indicators that have proved useful to both measure tranquillity and also toimprove tranquillity scores in years to come.The study reinforced the opening hypothesis which identified four pillars of urban tranquillity –sounds, presence of nature, sense of personal safety, culture of the place. To this a fifth has nowbeen added, namely the Visual or Aesthetic Pillar.The work presents a toolkit which provides a tranquillity score for any open space and suggests awide range of mitigation measures to enhance it.D121316/R1/02iiScott Wilson LtdMarch 2009