The soundscape of quarantine

Abstract

Given the drastic effect of ongoing lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020–2021, many researchers in different fields found themselves learning the basics of epidemiology and public health. However, in the midst of such a crisis, it is incumbent for content experts to apply their own expertise to the problem at hand, no matter how marginal their contribution may be. It is argued that at the broadest level, acousticians may contribute to the mental and physical health of those undergoing pandemic lockdowns via soundscape analysis. Given the widespread lockdown fatigue of staying largely indoors for nearly a year, even small improvements in quality of life under lockdown may be help the wider crisis by helping people follow public health recommendations longer than they otherwise would. The first part of this analysis focuses on noise prevention, especially in multi-unit housing where sound transmission between units can exacerbate social ties. Second, this talk examines the role of acoustic simulation, spatial audio, and VR to open up larger worlds to those under prolonged confinment.