From understanding to designing soundscapes

doi:10.1007/s11709-010-0091-5

Front Arch Civil Eng Chin

2010, Vol. 4

Issue (4) : 403-417 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11709-010-0091-5

REVIEW

From understanding to designing soundscapes

Jian KANG(

)

School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK

Download: PDF(337 KB) HTML
Export: BibTeX | EndNote | Reference Manager | ProCite | RefWorks

Abstract

Soundscape represents a step change in the field of environmental acoustics in that it combines physical, social, and psychological approaches. Although the term soundscape was introduced in the 1960s, significant attention to it has mainly been paid in the last decade or so in the community of environmental acoustics by researchers and recently by practitioners including policy makers. This paper explores the current situation and future challenges in soundscape. Starting with a framework on research and practical needs in soundscape and a brief introduction of some recent/current networks, activities, projects, and publications, this paper then presents a systematic review of recent progress in soundscape research and practice. A short review of the soundscape research in China is also given.

Keywords soundscape environment sound design urban landscape

Corresponding Author(s): KANG Jian,Email:j.kang@sheffield.ac.uk

Issue Date: 05 December 2010

Cite this article:

Jian KANG. From understanding to designing soundscapes[J]. Front Arch Civil Eng Chin, 2010, 4(4): 403-417.

URL:

https://academic.hep.com.cn/fsce/EN/10.1007/s11709-010-0091-5
https://academic.hep.com.cn/fsce/EN/Y2010/V4/I4/403

Fig.1 Soundscape framework considering both research and practice facets

Fig.2 Number of internoise papers relating to soundscape in recent years

Fig.3 A taxonomy of the acoustic environment for soundscape studies, showing categories of places (letters in red in boxes in bold lines), categories of sound sources (letters in blue in boxes with dashed lines), and sound sources []

Fig.4 A system/framework of designable factors for the soundscape in urban open public spaces []

1	Kang J. Urban Sound Environment. London: Taylor & Francis incorporating Spon, 2006
2	Kang J, MC (Management Committee). Soundscape of European Cities and Landscapes, EU COST TD0804 Memorandum of Understanding. 2008
3	EU (European Commission). Directive (2002/49/EC) of the European Parliament and of the Council—Relating to the Assessment and Management of Environmental Noise. Brussels , 2002
4	Bristow A, Kang J. NoiseFutures Network. EPSRC Case for Support , 2006
5	Axelsson ?, WG (Working Group). Proposal and Meeting Reports of the ISO/TC43/SC1/WG54 Working Group, 2009
6	Memoli G, Bloomfield A, Dixon M. Soundscape characterisation in selected areas of central London. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Acoustics’08, Paris , 2008
7	Schulte-Fortkamp B, Volz R, Jakob A. Using the soundscape approach to develop a public space in Berlin—perception and evaluation. Journal of the Acoustical Society of America , 2008, 123(5): 2 doi: 10.1121/1.2935519
8	Acloque V, Piwonski M, Schulte-Fortkamp B. Evaluation of a public space—Validation of the psychoacoustic infrastructure based on people’s perception and involvement in the conceptual design. Acta Acustica united with Acustica , 2010, 96 (suppl. 1): S76
9	Schulte-Fortkamp B. Soundmasking in soundscapes–decisions by the new experts. In: Proceedings of the NAG- DAGA Joint Meeting. Rotterdam , 2009
10	De Coensel B, Bockstael A, Dekoninck L, Botteldooren D, Schulte-Fortkamp B, Kang J, Nilsson M E. The soundscape approach for early stage urban planning: A case study. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Lisbon , 2010
11	Brambilla G, De Gregorio L, Maffei L, Masullo M. Soundscape in the archaeological area of Pompei. In: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Acoustics (ICA). Madrid , 2007
12	Kang J, Hao Y, Liu F. Soundscape Paper Database, 2010
13	Truax B, ed. Handbook for Acoustic Ecology. Cambridge Street Publishing, CD-ROM version , 1999
14	Kang J, MC (Management Committee). Report on the COST Edinburgh Workshop on Hot Topics in Soundscapes. ISO/TC43/SC1/WG54 Meeting, Seoul , 2009
15	Watts G R, Hunter M D, Douglas M, Pheasant R J, Farrow T F D, Wilkinson I D, Kang J, Horoshenkov K, Woodruff P W. The use of fMRI techniques to investigate the perception of tranquility. In: Proceedings of the 38th International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Ottawa , 2009
16	Irwn A, Hall D A, Plack C J. How do listeners react to different urban soundscapes? An fMRI study of perception and emotion. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Ottawa , 2009
17	Hume K, Ahtamad M. Physiological responses and subjective estimates of soundscape elements: Preliminary results for respiratory rate and EMG responses. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Ottawa , 2009
18	Dubois D, Catherine G. Cognitive evaluation of sound quality: bridging the gap between acoustic measurements and meaning. In: Proceedings of the 19th International Conference on Acoustics (ICA). Madrid , 2007
19	Payne S R. The classification, semantics, and perception of urban park sounds: Methodological issues. In: Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). Reading, UK , 2008
20	Brown L, Kang J, Gjestland T. Towards some standardization in assessing soundscape preference. In: Proceedings of the 38th International Congress on Noise Control Engineering. Ottawa , 2009
21	Zhang M, Kang J. Towards the evaluation, description and creation of soundscape in urban open spaces. Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design , 2007, 34(1): 68–86 doi: 10.1068/b31162
22	Schomer P, Brown L, De Coensel B, Genuit K, Gjestland T, Jeon J Y, Kang J, Newman P, Schulte-Fortkamp B. Watts G R. On efforts to standardize a graphical description of the soundscape concept. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Lisbon , 2010
23	De Coensel B, Botteldooren D. Models for soundscape perception and their use in planning. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Istanbul , 2007
24	De Coensel B, Botteldooren D. Modeling auditory attention focusing in multisource environments. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Acoustics’08, Paris , 2008
25	De Coensel B, Botteldooren D, De Muer T, Lercher P, Berglund B, Nilsson M E. Observation on the influence of non-acoustical factors on perceived noise annoyance in a field experiment. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Rio de Jeneiro , 2005
26	Niessen M E, Krijnders D, Andringa T C. Understanding a soundscape through its components. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
27	Krijnders D, Niessen M E, Andringa T C. Annotating soundscapes. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Ottawa , 2009
28	Yu L, Kang J. Modeling subjective evaluation of soundscape quality in urban open spaces: An artificial neural network approach. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America , 2009, 126(3): 1163–1174 doi: 10.1121/1.3183377
29	Botteldooren D, Van Renterghem T. Modelling outdoor sound propagation: a careful balance between physical rigour and engineering practice. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
30	Attenborough K, Li K M, Horoshenkov K. Predicting Outdoor Sound. London: Taylor & Francis incorporating Spon, 2006
31	Torija A J, Ruiz D P, Ramos-Ridao A. Model to predict the level and the temporal and spectral composition of the sound pressure in urban soundscapes. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
32	Drever J L. Topophonophilia: A study on the relationship between the sounds of Dartmoor and the people who live there. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV). Lisbon , 2005
33	Fonterrada M, Filho M. Acoustic ecology in Amazon–A project for the soundscape study of the natural, anthropic and technological environments. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV). Lisbon , 2005
34	McGinley R. Stockholm sound sanctuaries: A public sound art project. In: Proceedings of the 12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV). Lisbon , 2005
35	Berglund B, Nilsson M E, Pekala P. Towards certification of indoor and outdoor soundscapes. In: Proceedings of International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Prague , 2004
36	Lemke H. Sound collecting methods: language, drawing, audio recording & photography—limitation & potential. In: Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). Reading, UK , 2008
37	Brambilla G, Di Gabriele M, Maffei L, Verardi P. Can urban squares be recognized by means of their soundscape. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise), Acoustics’08. Paris , 2008
38	Clouter I. The role of sound archives in soundscape research. In: Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). Reading, UK , 2008
39	Bouzebari M, Bento Coelho J L, Carvalho T M, Alarc?o D. The soundscape project as an alternative solution for urban noisy places: the case of Alcantara Bridge in Lisbon. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
40	Shin H, Song H, Nam G B, Jang G S. Soundscape design for the memorial space with seaside view—focused on the seaside park with observatory located in Ttangkkeut. In: Proceedings of the 18th International Conference on Acoustics (ICA). Kyoto , 2004
41	Raimbault M, Bérengier M, Dubois D. Common factors in the identification of urban soundscapes: Pilot studies in two French cities: Lyon and Nantes. In: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Acoustics (ICA). Rome , 2001
42	Botteldooren D. Fuzzy noise limits. In: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Acoustics (ICA). Rome , 2001
43	Pheasant R J, Horoshenkov K, Watts G, Barrett B T. The acoustic and visual factors influencing the construction of tranquil space in urban and rural environments tranquil spaces-quiet places? The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America , 2008, 123(3): 1446–1457 doi: 10.1121/1.2831735
44	Pheasant R J, Watts G R, Horoshenkov K V. The role of audio-visual interaction on the perception of tranquillity. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
45	Davies W J, Mahnken P Z, Gamble P, Plack C. Measuring and mapping soundscape speech intelligibility. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
46	Woloszyn P, Leduc T, Joanne P. Urban soundmarks psychophysical geodimensioning: towards ambient pointers geosystemic computation. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
47	Hiramatsu K, Matsui T, Minoura K. Environment similarity index concerning sonic environment toward the evaluation of sonic environment. In: Proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Acoustics (ICA). Rome , 2001
48	Licitra G, Memoli G. Noise Indicators and Hierarchical Clustering in Soundscapes. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Rio de Jeneiro , 2005
49	Lercher P. Soundscape research, quality of life and health: An integrated environmental health viewpoint. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Istanbul , 2007
50	Choy Y S, Lui W K. Urban soundscape of recreational area in Hong Kong. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise), Ottawa , 2009
51	Kang J. A systematic approach towards intentionally planning and designing soundscape in urban open public spaces. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Istanbul , 2007
52	Kang J. Urban soundscape. In: Proceedings of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA). Reading, UK , 2008
53	Davies W J, Adams M D, Bruce N S. A positive soundscape evaluation tool. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
54	Fiebig A, Genuit K. Development of a synthesis tool for soundscape design. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
55	Bunting O, Stammers J, Chesmore D, Bouzid O, Tian G Y, Karatsovis C, Dyne S. Instrument for soundscape recognition, identification and evaluation (ISRIE): technology and practical uses. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
56	Hellstr?m B. Acoustic design artefacts and methods for urban soundscapes. In: Proceedings of the 16th International Congress on Sound and Vibration (ICSV). Krakow , 2009
57	Smyrnova Y, Kang J. Determination of perceptual auditory attributes for the auralization of urban soundscapes. Noise Control Engineering Journal , 2010 (accepted for publication)
58	Shepherd C, Grimwood C. Sound evaluation: the development of the concept of quiet zones within the City of London. In: Proceedings of the European Conference on Noise Control (euronoise). Edinburgh , 2009
59	Payne S, Davies W J, Adams M. Research into the Practical and Policy Applications of Soundscape Concepts and Techniques in Urban Areas (NANR 200). Report of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) , 2009
60	Kihlman T. Experiences of implementation of soundscapes in policies. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Istanbul , 2007
61	Sj?linder S, Hallin A. Noise mapping of extended geographic areas. In: Proceedings of International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Prague , 2004
62	Bento Coelho J L, Alarc?o D. Noise mapping and noise abatement plans in large cities in Portugal. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Rio de Janeiro , 2005
63	Park Y M, Kim B S, Sun H S, Lee N H, Shin Y J. Investigation on noise policy for a strategic noise mapping. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Ottawa, Canada , 2009
64	McDonald P, Dobbyn S. The sound of the city: auralisation of community noise data. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Ottawa, Canada , 2009
65	Burgessa M, Finegoldb L, Porterc N. Approaches to assessment of environmental noise Impact. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Shanghai, China , 2008
66	Wang J X. Sound is also landscape: soundscape research in Japan. Japan Digest , 1996, 11: 44–48 (in Chinese)
67	Wang J Q. On the research development of acoustic ecology and soundscape. Applied Acoustics , 1999, 2: 10 (in Chinese)
68	Li G Q. Soundscape Announcement – Investigation of the landscape of sound I. Journal of Beijing Union University , 2001 (z1): 97–99 (in Chinese)
69	Kang J, Yang W. Soundscape in urban open public spaces. World Architecture , 2002, 144: 76–79 (in Chinese)
70	Qin Y G. The scope of soundscape research. Architectural Journal , 2005, 1: 45–46 (in Chinese)
71	Li G Q. Soundscape research and design. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree . Beijing: Tsinghua University, 2004 (in Chinese).
72	Yuan X M, Wu S X. Soundscape design in traditional Chinese gardens. Architectural Journal , 2007, 2: 70–72 (in Chinese)
73	Chen X P. Soundscape design in traditional Chinese gardens. Dissertation for the Master Degree, Huazhong Agricultural University , 2008 (in Chinese)
74	Ge J, Zhou X M, Shi J R. Explication and design of soundscape in urban landscape. Journal of Zhejiang University Engineering Science , 2004, 38(8): 994–999 (in Chinese)
75	Ge J. Lu J, Guo H. F, Li H. Research on structure of soundscape in urban open spaces and its design method. Journal of Zhejiang University Engineering Science , 2006, 40(9): 1569–1573 (in Chinese)
76	Ma H, Wang D D. Research on soundscape elements and its primary quantification of urban parks. In: Proceedings of the International Congress on Noise Control Engineering (internoise). Shanghai , 2008
77	Zhang M, Kang J. Subjective evaluation of urban environment: a case study in Beijing. International Journal of Environment and Pollution , 2009, 39(1/2): 187–199 doi: 10.1504/IJEP.2009.027151
78	Kang J, Zhang M. Semantic differential analysis of the soundscape in urban open public spaces. Building and Environment , 2010, 45(1): 150–157 doi: 10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.05.014
79	Kang J. Semantic differential analysis on the soundscape of open urban public spaces: a cross-cultural study. British Academy Research Project , 2003
80	Tai H X. Soundscape research in urban residential areas. Dissertation for the Doctoral Degree . Nanjing : Southeast University, 2004 (in Chinese)
81	Wu Y J. Soundscape evaluation method and soundscape research in typical districts. Dissertation for the Master Degree . Hangzhou: Zhejiang University, 2004 (in Chinese)
82	Kang J, Jin H. Soundscapes in residential areas in China based on integrated environmental performance. China Natural Science Foundation Research Project , 2009
83	Meng Q, Kang J, Jin H. The influence of users’ behavioral characteristics on the evaluation of subjective loudness and acoustic comfort in underground shopping streets. Huazhong Architecture , 2010, 28(5): 90–92 (in Chinese)
84	Tang Z, Jin H, Kang J. Comparative study of sound source environment in underground shopping streets between China and France. Huazhong Architecture , 2010, 28(2): 78–82 (in Chinese)
85	Zhao X D. Soundscape and the imaginary design of sound design. Dissertation for the Master Degree . Hefei: Hefei University of Technology, 2005 (in Chinese)
86	Kang J. Jiao F L. Introducing psychoacoustics into urban soundscape research. Joint Research Project between Royal Society and China Natural Science Foundation , 2008

[1]	Sadegh ETEDALI. Ranking of design scenarios of TMD for seismically excited structures using TOPSIS[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(6): 1372-1386.
[2]	Masoud RANJBARNIA, Milad ZAHERI, Daniel DIAS. Three-dimensional finite difference analysis of shallow sprayed concrete tunnels crossing a reverse fault or a normal fault: A parametric study[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(4): 998-1011.
[3]	Shahaboddin SHAMSHIRBAND, Amir MOSAVI, Timon RABCZUK. Particle swarm optimization model to predict scour depth around a bridge pier[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(4): 855-866.
[4]	Wei HUANG, Minshan PEI, Xiaodong LIU, Ya WEI. Design and construction of super-long span bridges in China: Review and future perspectives[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(4): 803-838.
[5]	Guoqiang LI, Yifan LYU, Yanbo WANG. State-of-the-art on resistance of bearing-type bolted connections in high strength steel[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(3): 569-585.
[6]	Xiao-Yong WANG. Impacts of climate change on optimal mixture design of blended concrete considering carbonation and chloride ingress[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(2): 473-486.
[7]	Meisam RABIEI, Asskar Janalizadeh CHOOBBASTI. Innovative piled raft foundations design using artificial neural network[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2020, 14(1): 138-146.
[8]	Jordan CARTER, Aikaterini S. GENIKOMSOU. Investigation on modeling parameters of concrete beams reinforced with basalt FRP bars[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(6): 1520-1530.
[9]	Tugrul TALASLIOGLU. Optimal design of steel skeletal structures using the enhanced genetic algorithm methodology[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(4): 863-889.
[10]	Mohammad Reza GHASEMI, Charles V. CAMP, Babak DIZANGIAN. Novel decoupled framework for reliability-based design optimization of structures using a robust shifting technique[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(4): 800-820.
[11]	Jiping GE, M. Saiid SAIIDI, Sebastian VARELA. Computational studies on the seismic response of the State Route 99 bridge in Seattle with SMA/ECC plastic hinges[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(1): 149-164.
[12]	Babak DIZANGIAN, Mohammad Reza GHASEMI. Border-search and jump reduction method for size optimization of spatial truss structures[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(1): 123-134.
[13]	Behnam VAKHSHOURI, Shami NEJADI. Empirical models and design codes in prediction of modulus of elasticity of concrete[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2019, 13(1): 38-48.
[14]	Amit K. BERA, Tanmoy MUKHOPADHYAY, Ponnada J. MOHAN, Tushar K. DEY. A multi-attribute decision making approach of mix design based on experimental soil characterization[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2018, 12(3): 361-371.
[15]	A. ARAB, Ma. R. BANAN, Mo. R. BANAN, S. FARHADI. Estimation of relations among hysteretic response measures and design parameters for RC rectangular shear walls[J]. Front. Struct. Civ. Eng., 2018, 12(1): 3-15.

Viewed

Full text

Abstract

Cited

Shared

Discussed