Maximum tranquillity To find out what actually makes somewhere tranquil , we developed the
Tranquillity Rating Prediction Tool . The tool measures two factors , the level of man-made noise – usually traffic – as well as the percentage of natural and contextual features in view . This includes things like if a place has a water feature , and lots of greenery . or if a place gives you a view of a religious or historic building – all of which our research shows help to boost the tranquillity of a place .
Based on these factors , the tool can predict the tranquillity of a place on a scale of 0-10 . This is based on laboratory studies where people were asked to rate video clips of a range of environments for tranquillity levels . These clips included diverse settings , from a busy market place to natural coastal locations far from any development . Using this method we can not only identify existing ( and sometimes overlooked ) tranquil spaces , but also offer advice on how urban areas can be made more tranquil .
The High Line park in Manhattan , New York , is a good example of a tranquil space that is part of a wider urban environment .
Our research shows that green spaces on side roads , which are often hidden from view , tend to have high levels of tranquillity due to the screening effects of buildings from the noise of busy streets . Pedestrianised squares in towns and cities were also shown to be acceptably tranquil because of the distance from traffic – some of these squares also featured grass and trees .
Similarly , well-maintained side streets – especially with avenues of trees – or heritage buildings can also score highly due to good visual attributes combined with low traffic noise . Close proximity to water was also shown to be good for tranquillity because it is naturally nice to look at and is relaxing to listen to .
Creating tranquil spaces To boost the tranquillity of an area , the first step is to reduce man-made noise . Obviously on a city scale this could be done by things like rerouting traffic , lorry bans and low-noise road surfacing , as well as noise barriers . But in terms of your own surroundings , anything you can do to reduce unnatural noise the better . Higher and longer fences and walls next to the road can help here . As can creating a small quiet area with perhaps a natural-sounding water feature close by .