Noise monitoring in Ghent
Ghent – the second-largest city in Belgium in terms of population – is known for its medieval architecture and (street) art, but also for its vibrant student life. Therefore, it also has a lively nightlife, which comes with night noise in busy areas such as Overpoortstraat and Vlasmarkt.
To address this, the City of Ghent launched a pilot project focused on reducing night noise through a combination of smart sound sensors and nudging techniques. Sound sensors were installed in several pass-through streets where many people move between nightlife hotspots. These sensors detect noise peaks and measure both the volume and type of sound, without recording or storing any audio, ensuring full respect for privacy.
Real time data processing
The data is processed in real time via the Urban Sense platform. When excessive noise is detected during the night, a message is immediately triggered on LED displays in the street, encouraging bypassing people to lower their voices. This nudging technique helps raise awareness at the right moment and encourages more considerate behaviour in public space.
Endless possibilities with shared data
The project builds on earlier implementations in cities like Leuven and is part of the broader Urban Sense ecosystem. By using a shared urban data platform, cities can easily replicate and expand similar use cases, turning data into actionable insights across different urban contexts.
