Noise level at high-rise buildings

[deRoy]

What is the noise level at a high rise building if one was supposed to leave the window open in a balcony on the 80-th floor and above in an apartment on a skyscraper built in the city center of a large city like New York or Seoul, with all this car traffic underneath with their horns and sirens blowing full blast all day?

I mean, I can hear the engine of a small airplane in the sky when it's flying 1000 meters above me very loud, so I guess it must be the same when I am above ground at 500 m and the traffic is below me.

I must conclude that I could not tolerate so much noise. Am I right?

 

[anorlunda]

Here is some data. Only you can say what you can stand.

The resolution is not the best. Follow the link to see it full resolution.

 

[berkeman]

What is the noise level at a high rise building if one was supposed to leave the window open in a balcony on the 80-th floor and above in an apartment on a skyscraper built in the city center of a large city like New York or Seoul, with all this car traffic underneath with their horns and sirens blowing full blast all day?

I mean, I can hear the engine of a small airplane in the sky when it's flying 1000 meters above me very loud, so I guess it must be the same when I am above ground at 500 m and the traffic is below me.

I must conclude that I could not tolerate so much noise. Am I right?

You live in a skyscraper where you can open a window? Where?

 

[deRoy]

You live in a skyscraper where you can open a window? Where?

Oh, I guess there will be many apartments on the 75th floor and above in Miami or Hong Kong say, complete with balconies to lounge outside.

I wish I were living in one but no! I am just asking what's the situation with all this traffic and city noise below your feet.

 

[CWatters]

The WHO have some recommendations on noise levels. As I understand it they recommend a max limit of 40dB measured outside the window of a bedroom at night...

http://www.euro.who.int/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/43316/E92845.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/integration/research/newsalert/pdf/202na3_en.pdf