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.

Space out: Precious peace and quiet

Singapore has embraced “green barriers” as a solution, using its extensive network of nature reserves and vertical gardens to buffer noise pollution. The city-state’s commitment to preserving green spaces has, in turn, made it one of the quietest places in Asia, with parks such as the Southern Ridges offering peaceful escapes from urban life.

Copenhagen, meanwhile, is leading its efforts to reduce noise through the creation of carless streets such as the Strøget, one of Europe’s longest pedestrianised roads. By decreasing traffic and promoting walking, residents can experience the city in a more serene way. With this week’s announcement that traffic could be banned on a section of London’s Oxford Street, it appears that the trend is catching on.

Cities that prioritise quiet spaces are not just more liveable but also more thoughtful. True progress is not just about how fast we can move but also about how well we can pause. After all, sometimes the best parts of urban life are the quiet breaks amid the hustle and bustle.

Emmanuil Papavasileiou is Monocle’s newsletters editor. For more opinion, analysis and insight, subscribe to Monocle today.