In Europe, over 125 million people are affected by noise pollution from traffic every year. Noise from road traffic alone is the second most harmful environmental stressor in Europe, behind air pollution, according to the World Health Organisation.
Along with the negative impact on our health, well-being and quality of life, noise pollution’s effects cost us approximately 50/100 billion euros per year (DEGA seminar, 2017). Through raising public awareness of noise in the city through our research project; we will then upload our data and findings (and encourage the public to continue to do the same) into an open source app collecting qualitative and quantitative data related to people’s favourite small, quiet spots in the city.
Our research and data will contribute to the Hush City App’s overarching aim to lobby policymakers, city planners and developers to improve human health and quality of life for citizens, city users and tourists – plain old living well. The project will be an example of co-production in action and provide useful learning relating to academic collaborations with city partners
This is a new, unique, interdisciplinary partnership brought together for the first time to deliver this research project. Partners include you the public, academics, community leaders and groups, a network of urban design. A mixture of professionals experts – all partners are equal and all bring a different set of skills to the project which adds to the whole and is interdependent in terms of critical making. All partners have expressed an interest and desire to research an increasing yet not a hugely visible citywide problem of noise pollution and begin to test its effect on public health.
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In Europe, over 125 million people are affected by noise pollution from traffic every year. Noise from road traffic alone is the second most harmful environmental stressor in Europe, behind air pollution, according to the World Health Organisation.
Along with the negative impact on our health, well-being and quality of life, noise pollution’s effects cost us approximately 50/100 billion euros per year (DEGA seminar, 2017). Through raising public awareness of noise in the city through our research project; we will then upload our data and findings (and encourage the public to continue to do the same) into an open source app collecting qualitative and quantitative data related to people’s favourite small, quiet spots in the city.
Our research and data will contribute to the Hush City App’s overarching aim to lobby policymakers, city planners and developers to improve human health and quality of life for citizens, city users and tourists – plain old living well. The project will be an example of co-production in action and provide useful learning relating to academic collaborations with city partners
This is a new, unique, interdisciplinary partnership brought together for the first time to deliver this research project. Partners include you the public, academics, community leaders and groups, a network of urban design. A mixture of professionals experts – all partners are equal and all bring a different set of skills to the project which adds to the whole and is interdependent in terms of critical making. All partners have expressed an interest and desire to research an increasing yet not a hugely visible citywide problem of noise pollution and begin to test its effect on public health.
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Bristol Quiet Spaces Map for Neurodivergent People
Co-create the first Bristol Quiet Area Map with neurodiverse people and aim to imaginatively meld urban navigation and cultural inclusivity by highlighting quiet urban spaces, accommodating the needs of our neurodiverse communities and improving health and well-being for all.
Project Aims
Project Overview and Funding Goals
The Bristol Quiet Area Map is a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the urban landscape for neurodiverse individuals in Bristol's city centre. This project aims to create an artistically enriched map highlighting quiet spaces and addressing noise pollution, a major barrier to accessible public spaces.
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Collaborating with local creatives, specialists, and neurodiverse individuals, the project seeks to empower these communities and foster an inclusive cityscape aligned with Bristol’s One City Plan. Our map will feature tranquil alternatives and engage neurodiverse populations actively, emphasizing quiet areas as essential for mental health and a healthy urban future.
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Key Collaborations and Partnerships
Led by Sarah Jones-Morris from Bristol Soundwalks and Jameson Muysoki, this initiative partners with:
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WECIL Access Volunteer Programme
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Bristol Autism Spectrum Service
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Stantec (in-kind support pending)
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Tranquil City
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Hush City
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Aural Diversity Network
This collaboration will connect neurodiverse individuals, their support networks, city inhabitants, visitors, and the broader design community through various project stages.
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Project Timeline and Activities
Over 12 months, we will conduct research, participatory workshops, map production and distribution, public showcases, and a digital launch via the Bristol Soundwalks and Visit West platforms. Neurodiverse individuals, caregivers, and families will gain a valuable tool for city navigation, enhancing urban participation and inclusivity.
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Impact and Benefits
Community Empowerment and Inclusivity
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Empower neurodiverse communities through active participation.
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Improve accessibility to urban spaces, allowing greater social and civic engagement.
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Reflect the city’s commitment to inclusivity, fostering a sense of belonging.
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Serve as a model for future urban planning initiatives.
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Potentially generate positive economic impacts by promoting accessibility and inclusivity.
Health and Wellbeing
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Reduce sensory overload, decreasing anxiety and stress for neurodiverse individuals.
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Provide opportunities for calming, restorative activities, enhancing mental health.
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Encourage physical activity through walking in tranquil areas.
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Facilitate social interactions in comfortable settings, improving social well-being.
Collaboration with Health and Social Care Providers
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Engage with WECIL and Bristol Autism Support to ensure the project meets the needs of neurodiverse individuals.
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Incorporate health professionals' expertise to understand the therapeutic benefits of quiet spaces.
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Integrate the Quiet Area Map into future therapeutic programs or care plans.
Originators Guiding Principle
Addressing the Global Climate and Ecological Emergency
Our project will:
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Raise awareness of climate and ecological emergencies.
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Reduce environmental impacts by encouraging public transport and using recycled materials.
Skills and Experience
Relevant Skills and Experience
To ensure successful project delivery, we bring together a team of experts in urban design, acoustics, and planning.
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Project Engagement
Engagement and Accessibility
We have extensively consulted with local people, researched potential locations, and dialogues with designers. Collaborations with Bristol Autism Service and WECIL have engaged neurodiverse individuals to understand their requirements for quiet spaces.
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Project Funding Request
Income Sources and Expenditure Breakdown
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Bristol Soundwalks set day rate: £6,500
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Project management: £1300
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Engagement liaison: £1950
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Design development and launch: £1950
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Evaluation and monitoring: £650
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Other costs (Hush City database, public engagement materials, printing, insurance, contingency, miscellaneous): £1950
Total: £14,300
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In-Kind Support
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Stantec: £25,000 (pending approval)
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Metro Bank: £300 (approved)
Total Income: £39,600. Total Expenditure: £39,600
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Conclusion
Our initiative, the Bristol Quiet Area Map, aims to enhance the quality of life for neurodiverse individuals in Bristol. We seek to create a more harmonious and considerate urban environment by promoting social change and inclusivity. We look forward to the opportunity to contribute to Bristol’s vision of a diverse, equitable, and inclusive city.