Defining the scope of soundscape studies and design methods

Abstract

One important goal of soundscape studies is to develop methods that architects, urban designers, planners, landscape architects, and others involved with the design of the indoor and outdoor physical environment can be implement as part of their work. As such the role of design is an inherent aspect of soundscape studies. Design of the physical environment, especially its sonic qualities, is similar to the composing and orchestrating of a piece of music. This paper explores the translation of soundscape theories into physical design concepts through a review of the seminal literature of Shafer and Truax and the systems ecology models of Odum and Brown. The use of physical design elements to create sonic niches for specific acoustic events to occur within that are defined in location and time is used as a technique to develop local sonic attributes within soundscapes. Advanced modeling and simulation techniques; long and short term acoustical measurements that reflect the way sounds are heard by people; in...