Noise Abatement and the Search for Quiet Space in the Modern City

Noise pollution remains a significant and growing issue, particularly in urban settings, with nearly 20% of Germany's population seeking treatment for aural disorders. Despite its pervasive impact on health and well-being, noise abatement has received little attention in environmental campaigns or historical studies. This study examines the complex sensory experience of noise in modern cities, using Cologne Cathedral as a case study to explore the tension between urban development, transportation expansion, and the desire for quiet spaces. It highlights how industrial, traffic, and leisure-related noise contribute to a multifaceted sensory phenomenon that disrupts both public and private spheres, as evidenced by local debates over events at the cathedral and protests against airport noise.

(Ed.). (2017). Noise Abatement and the Search for Quiet Space in the Modern City. Resources of the City, 229–243. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315244358-21