The soundscape standard—Its development and challenges

Abstract

Soundscape entered the debate of noise annoyance issues in the nineties, most likely at the same time as when the EU Directive 2002/49/EC [PJ1] on Noise was under development. In 2014, the ISO standard ISO 12913-1: “Acoustics-Soundscape-Part 1: Definition and conceptual framework” was published, delivering the first framework for soundscape. This was followed in 2018 by “ISO/TS 12913-2 Acoustics—Soundscape—Part 2: Data collection and reporting requirements”, which provided evaluation processes and information for integrating stakeholder participation. The third part of the standard is now underway: ISO/ TS 12913-3 “Acoustics- Soundscape—Part 3: Data analysis.” Together, the international standard ISO 12913 provides guidance for accessing the key components in soundscape: people, acoustic environment, and context. The available standards in soundscape, psychoacoustics and noise management have provided a large step towards enhancing the quality of life for people. the urgent need for recognition but also for application with regard to new understandings of urbanism will be discussed.