Jian Kang is Professor of Acoustics at the School of Architecture, University of Sheffield. He has conducted research in environmental acoustics for 20 years. He has published 3 books, over 100 refereed journal papers and book chapters, and over 250 conference papers and technical reports.He has been the principal investigator for over 50 research projects funded by EPSRC, AHRC, Royal Society, British Academy, British Council, DTI, Nuffield Foundation, Hong Kong TDG, China NSF, Acoustical Society of America, German AvH, industry, etc.; and has been a consultant for over 50 major acoustics and noise control projects in the UK, Germany, Hong Kong and China.

Over the past two decades there have been many major new developments in the field of urban sound environment. Jian Kang introduces and examines these key developments, including:

the development of prediction methods for urban sound propagation

establishment and application of noise-mapping software

new noise control measures and design methods.

Also covered is the new EU directive on noise and the substantial actions it has brought about across Europe.

As the importance of soundscape, acoustic comfort and sound environment design have become widely recognized, Urban Sound Environments is a thoroughly useful book for students and practitioners in a wide range of fields, from urban planning and landscape through to architecture and acoustics.