Window to silent cities opens - 18th September 2020

Audio engineers in a Singapore lab have created a device which guarantees city dwellers much needed peace and quiet.

Based on the same principles as noise cancelling headphones, the 24 small speakers positioned across the open window’s protective grill constitute what researchers have termed an acoustic shield.

The speakers activate once noise is detected, emitting sound waves to counteract specific frequencies of sound. This enables fresh air and light to flow into the apartment while dropping noise levels by up to 10 decibels.

The process is selective, as Gan Woon Seng, Professor of Audio Engineering confirms that eliminating noise completely is unachievable.

Professor: "OK, also, with the cacophonies of all this urban noise, we are not going to cancel all sorts of noise. Instead, we have a targeted approach. We are basically going after the low frequency noise coming from the traffic and the train noise."

Research from the World Health Organisation details significant numbers of health conditions exacerbated by noise, from cardiovascular diseases and hypertension to acquired hearing loss. These engineers are keen for urban residents to reap the health benefits of noise cancelling windows.