Deciphering the Impact of Noise on Public Discomforts: The Case of Busy Junctions and Their Associated High Streets in London

The rapid expansion of urban populations worldwide has led to extensive urban sprawl and congested city centres, leading to a range of public health issues. The spatial characteristics of urban areas are pivotal in tackling these issues. This study conducts a comprehensive comparative analysis to explore the intricate relationship between noise pollution and human behaviour in public spaces, with a specific emphasis on co-presence dynamics. The primary objective is to scrutinize how noise patterns impact the utilization and purpose of public spaces, additionally a particular focus on refining ‘modelled noise’ patterns in the context of London. Concentrating on two high streets and four junctions situated within the Camden borough of London, this study employs a blend of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Data collection tools are used to meticulously observe and map human behaviours, emphasizing co-presence dynamics. Furthermore, manual measurements are employed to thoroughly document diverse noise patterns using acoustic metres. The collected data, geolocated for precision, undergo analysis through QGIS and SPSS software. The findings derived from this study offer valuable insights into the refinement of open-source modelled noise patterns, comprehension of the consequences of discomfort-inducing noise on human behaviour, especially co-presence. These insights aim to contribute to the enhancement of acoustic comfort and the promotion of public well-being in urban environments. Understanding how these factors interact is essential for informed urban planning and design decisions, fostering the creation of more liveable and healthy cities.