This is a guest post by Lucía Bellocchio, founder and executive director of Trend Smart Cities. Lucía has extensive experience working on urban innovation, and has written in leading media outlets in South America like La Nación, El Observador, Clarín or TN.
A few weeks ago, while browsing a bookstore, I came across a children’s book titled The Sounds of the City. The word sounds showcased as characteristic of urban life were dominated by engines—cars, motorcycles, buses, trucks—which could be considered noises.
The Royal Spanish Academy defines noise as ‘an unwanted sound, generally unpleasant‘. This definition is subjective: some people find a revving motorcycle annoying, while others –like motor enthusiasts– may find it charming. What’s particularly interesting is how we learn from childhood to associate urban life with this mechanical soundscape instead of the sounds of nature –such as the singing of birds and the murmur of water– or even the sounds people create, like music and conversations.
Undoubtedly, cities have their unique soundscape, a tapestry of sounds that shape their identity. But when noises dominate that landscape, we’re not just talking about a sonic identity but a public health issue.
Horns, combustion engines, brakes, and constant traffic create a hostile environment. Researchers directly link noise pollution to sleep disorders, chronic stress, cardiovascular diseases, and a decline in cognitive performance, especially in children.
Beyond the statistics, urban noise has a profound impact on daily life. For individuals on the autism spectrum, who often experience sensory hypersensitivity, the constant noise of the city is not merely an annoyance; it can turn a simple routine journey into a stressful and overwhelming experience. This observation prompts an important question: can reducing urban noise contribute to greater inclusion for these individuals?
By minimizing noise levels in urban environments, we may create spaces that are more accessible and comfortable for everyone, particularly those who are sensitive to sound. For example, quieter public transportation options, such as electric buses, can make commuting less daunting for people with sensory sensitivities. Addressing urban noise could lead to a more inclusive city where all residents can easily navigate their surroundings.
In this context, the transition to electric mobility offers a valuable opportunity to transform urban environments. Electric vehicles, including buses, cars, and scooters, are key in decreasing carbon emissions and reducing noise pollution, especially at lower speeds. This change can significantly improve the quality of life in densely populated cities by fostering a quieter, more pleasant, and breathable atmosphere.
For example, using electric buses in public transportation reduces emissions and minimizes noise, making city streets more hospitable for residents. As a result, pedestrians and cyclists can enjoy a more serene environment, leading to increased outdoor activities and overall well-being. By prioritizing electric mobility, cities can create safer and more inviting spaces for everyone, ultimately enhancing urban living conditions.
For instance, in Santiago, residents have observed a noticeable transformation since introducing an electric bus fleet into the public transportation system. Many have remarked on the distinct change, highlighting that the city has experienced a clear “before and after” effect. It’s important to note that Santiago boasts the largest fleet of electric buses in Latin America, showcasing its commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
Overall, the move towards electrification addresses environmental concerns and improves urban living conditions, making cities more liveable and pleasant for their inhabitants.
Picture a bustling avenue where you can hear conversations, see bicycles passing by, and listen to birds singing. This vision isn’t just a utopian dream; it can become a reality if we invest in cleaner, quieter mobility. By promoting green spaces, enhancing the use of public areas, and adopting more sustainable transportation methods, we can create vibrant urban environments that foster connection and community.
However, this transformation will not be automatic. Cities must prepare for electrification with planning and infrastructure: public and accessible charging networks, redesigning urban spaces to integrate electric mobility, and ensuring that electric public transport reaches all neighbourhoods, not just the more privileged areas.
It will also be crucial to define what new sounds electric vehicles should emit for safety reasons. In Europe, for example, they are already required to generate artificial noise at low speeds to alert pedestrians. But this also poses challenges: how can we design auditory alerts that are useful without being intrusive, especially for those with auditory hypersensitivity?
Electric mobility is not synonymous with equity or sustainability itself. But when viewed from a holistic perspective –environmental, social, and sensory– it can be the foundation for a more just, quieter, and inclusive city. Less noise doesn’t mean less urban life. On the contrary, it can be the path to reclaiming public space as a meeting place for people.
If we design the city of the future together—and for everyone—it will be cleaner and more liveable.
Images | Gökhan Topel Mauro Mora Joseph Mama
