We’ve heard of noise cancelling headphones…..but fountains? Really??
Take a look at today’s innovation from the Trendwatching Team. These updates arrive in our WhatsApp feed each day. They don’t always capture our imagination, but this one did.
We know a few of you here in the Club are fascinated by sound 🎧🤩 If that’s you, then we hope you read on!
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Hello! Today’s innovation: Antwerp residents test noise-canceling fountains to mask traffic noise
Urban noise is pervasive. To tackle it, the district of Berchem in Antwerp is turning to a blend of technology, community input and natural ambiance. District mayor Evi Van der Planken is spearheading a pilot project that will use water fountains to mask the incessant 60-decibel noise emanating from surrounding transport arteries, creating a quiet zone inside the neighborhood’s Brilschans Park.
The project places residents and audio experts at the center of its design process. Multiple configurations of fountain sounds will be tested in situ using speakers, allowing for community feedback on which version best mitigates intrusive traffic noise. The initiative is a collaboration between the city of Antwerp, Ghent University and Aifoon, a Ghent-based art collective specializing in sonic experiences. Noise-cancelling fountains aren’t the only audio initiative the Belgian city is working on; it’s also calling on residents to submit and a sound they believe characterizes Antwerp.
Click the button below to read this innovation’s Trend Bite 👇which is all about ‘acoustic pollution.’
…from the TrendWatching Team
Responses
Awesome! I think I need my own wee portable fountain to mange my micro-acoustic climate 🙂
Table top fountains are actually a thing, so that’s not a far fetched aspiration!!