Developing a holistic tranquillity assessment method from a soundscape design approach

Abstract

The assessment of tranquillity considered in Environmental Impact Assessments does not currently benefit from a single 'industry accepted' multidisciplinary approach. Current assessments rely mainly on objective measurements of imagery, sound, and investigator expert opinion. These approaches do not fully consider the context of the site, the interaction between different environmental disciplines or the perceptual aspects of Tranquillity. Standardised soundscape methodologies (ISO12913-2:2018) are now used to measure perception of acoustic environments in context. This study explores a soundscape approach to tranquillity assessment of heritage assets. Is it possible to develop a holistic assessment method based upon the data collection methods of soundscape principals of ISO 12913-2:2018 that is robust, scalable and applicable to the methods of assessment used within the built environment? Existing research on attention restorative theory is used to identify a set of attributes for use in a Soundwalk questionnaire. The methodology is tested by the authors conducting a Soundwalk at a set of heritage locations located within the Knowledge Quarter of London. The findings are supportive with recommendations for further development of the method that could involve different stakeholders that have local expertise and governance.