Development of soundscape assessment and design methods for large institutional projects

Abstract

Soundscape assessment and design processes were used to develop design criteria for noise mitigation strategies for the expansion of an institutional complex in a medium-sized city. A series of long-term acoustical measurements of average A-weighted sound levels in the community as well as more detailed octave band measurements and calibrated aural recordings of specific acoustic events that comprised the ambient sounds were mapped for the neighborhood. Sound walks were conducted at various times of day to understand the dynamics of the acoustical environment and to identify issues. Focus group discussions among stakeholders and team members developed the long-term plans for the community and appropriate architectural and acoustical design criteria for the project. Analysis of auralizations of various design options by stakeholders and team members using sophisticated multi-channel playback systems and full-scale aural demonstrations on site were used as part of the evaluation process.