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guishes the perceptual construct (soundscape) from the physi- cal phenomenon (acoustic environment), and clarifies that soundscape exists through human perception of the acoustic environment. For the purpose of the International Standard, soundscape will be understood as a perceptual construct that is related to a physical phenomenon.
Current Status
Soundscape research represents a paradigm shift as it firstly counts on human and social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociolo- gy, architecture, anthropology, medicine) and then on physics, but also takes into account the diversity of soundscapes across countries and cultures. Governments have sponsored much of the recent soundscape research. So, given the simple objec- tive to reduce the noise level (the main focus, for example of the European Union (EU) environmental noise policy) it was found that the Environmental Noise Directive (2002/49/EC) does not necessarily lead to improved quality of life in urban/ rural areas. Thus, a new multidisciplinary approach is essential as provided through the EU COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) Action TD0804 on Soundscape of European Cities and Landscapes, which includes 52 par- ticipants from 23 countries participating in COST, including 10 participants from outside Europe. As an outcome of this action a practical guidance in soundscape research is available (Kang, et al., 2013).
Collaborations
There have also been collaborations with soundscape research- ers in other networks, such as the Global Sustainable Sound- scape Network (GSSN)www.greener-cities.eu. funded by the USA National Science Foundation, further COST Actions, and a number of EU projects including the “Holistic and Sustainable Abatement of Noise by optimized combinations of Natural and Artificial means“ (HOSSANA)www.greener- cities.eu. and the urban sound planning project SONORUS- www.fp7.sonorus, further EU networks such as European Network on Noise and Health (ENNAH)www.ennah.eu.
What is central to soundscape research focused on noise and its perception? While classical noise indicators are known to show strong limitations under certain sound conditions (low frequency noise, tonal components, multisource environments), it is central to soundscape research and implementation to fit the applied indicators to the perception and the appraisal of the concerned people. The fit of indicators also depends, however, on the type of investigated soundscape. It is extremely impor- tant that the fit of indicators reflects the situation and context (personal, social, cultural, land use, economic, geographic) which define the sonic listening space, and also enables trac- ing dynamic changes like time variances of the soundscape over the day or seasons (Figure 1 - previous page).
Overarching main requirements and some of the associated questions for indicators should be:
• To support acoustical appraisal: Acoustic distinction of the
variety of soundscapes (Why does this place sound different?
What is unique?)
• To support psycho-physiological appraisal: Assess the grade
and type of neurophysiologic stimulation (Is the soundscape stressing, supporting or relaxing? Which emotions are linked to it?)
• To support context appraisal: Assess the person-environment fit (Are there sounds or sound components which interfere with intentions / expectations / meaning or support these? Are there other sensory factors [visual, vibration, odors] which interact with the sounds in a supporting or distorting way? Is the meaning of this place or the attachment to this place distorted, undermined or supported?)
• To support design or remedial action: Assessing the holistic potential of the place (Are control / coping options available / implementable? Can new meaning / emotions / attach- ment and social interaction be created to support adaptation and meet expectations?)
32 | Acoustics Today | Winter 2014