Innovative Step Against Environmental and Noise Pollution in Budapest: "Noise Map" Project Completed

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project titled "Noise Map" (Project No: 2022-3-HU01-KA152-YOU-000095775), coordinated by Riders of the Storm Association, was successfully carried out in Budapest, Hungary between October 2 and October 8, 2023. Focusing on noise pollution—one of the most significant yet frequently overlooked environmental threats of modern urban life—the project was brought to life to raise awareness among youth regarding urban noise issues, examine the negative impacts of noise on human health and the environment, and contribute to the development of innovative environmental solutions.

In line with the core objectives of the project, acoustic insulation methods, green architectural practices, and social awareness mechanisms aimed at improving the quality of life in cities were thoroughly addressed. Participants analyzed noise maps and street-level sound levels of various cities through the "Noise Map of Cities" and "Noise Mapping 101" sessions. These activities, bridging theoretical knowledge with practice, highlighted that noise pollution is not merely a sensory discomfort, but a serious urban challenge directly affecting individual and societal well-being.

The activity program was further enriched with practical workshops designed to create tangible and applicable solutions against noise pollution. Following the exploration of the "Green Roof" concept aimed at enhancing sound absorption and supporting ecological balance in buildings, one of the most striking practical sessions—the "Acoustic Model House" workshop—was conducted. Participating teams built model houses insulated with different materials and submitted them to outdoor sound tests to experimentally measure the acoustic absorption capabilities of each material.

In addition to theoretical and practical workshops, the project was reinforced through urban field investigations and awareness performances. During the Budapest city study and the "Horn is a Virus!" investigation, urban noise hotspots were observed on-site, while a creative body painting performance under the theme "The World is Ours!" delivered an artistic and impactful message against environmental and noise pollution. Supported by non-formal learning methodologies, the sessions both enhanced the participants' sense of environmental responsibility and enabled them to gain an innovative vision for combating noise pollution on an international scale.