Noise pollution constitutes a pervasive challenge, particularly for residents of urban environments such as New York City. As the NYC noise report indicates, “more than 30 million people in the US experience hearing loss due to exposure to loud noise, with nearly one in six adults reporting tinnitus or hearing impairment.” Consequently, this project concentrates on developing an innovative façade system to be implemented in NYC buildings with the aim of mitigating noise pollution. The objective is not to eradicate urban noise entirely, but rather to propose methods for reducing its intensity. The façade system not only diminishes street-level noise but also fosters a more favorable indoor environment.

The project unfolded in three distinct phases. The initial phase entailed researching noise propagation and sound dynamics within the city. Subsequently, various sound-absorbing panels were examined through simulations and consultations with acoustical experts. Finally, the sound-absorbing system was scrutinized using a reverberation time reduction simulator powered by Grasshopper software. The culmination of this rigorous process yielded a product capable of effectively lowering noise levels on urban streets, promising a more harmonious and acoustically pleasing cityscape for New York City’s inhabitants.