The hum of engines, chatter of crowds and beeps of digital devices in our cities are often equated with success. Yet, in this pursuit of growth, we might be undervaluing one of urban living’s greatest luxuries: quiet. Silence has become a rarity overlooked in discussions of city planning.Fear not, factoring silence into the building of urban environments is not about sterilising cities; it’s about balance. Studies show that constant noise pollution – whether from traffic, construction or people – can lead to stress, anxiety and even cardiovascular problems. Despite the risks, metropolises grow denser and the quest for calm becomes more elusive. Thankfully, some cities are pioneering ways to weave a sense of serenity into our daily lives.Helsinki, for example, has taken deliberate steps to integrate quiet spaces into its urban planning. The city champions green spaces such as Central Park and Nuuksio National Park, where noise is kept to a minimum, and places emphasis on encouraging environmentally friendly lifestyles. The University of Helsinki’s Digital Geography Lab has developed a mobile app called Green Paths, which directs the Finnish capital’s residents to walking routes and spaces with the least noise pollution.