Site soundscapes

Hedfors, Per (2003) Site soundscapes. Doctoral diss. Dept. of Landscape Planning, Ultuna, SLU. Acta Universitatis agriculturae Sueciae. Agraria vol. 407.

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Abstract

This research was based on the assumption that landscape architects work on projects in which the acoustic aspects can be taken into consideration. In such projects activities are located within the landscape and specific sounds belong to specific activities. This research raised the orchestration of the soundscape as a new area of concern in the field of landscape architecture; a new method of approaching the problem was suggested. Professionals can learn to recognise the auditory phenomena which are characteristic of a certain type of land use. Acoustic sources are obvious planning elements which can be used as a starting point in the develop-ment process. The effects on the soundscape can subsequently be evaluated according to various planning options.

The landscape is viewed as a space for sound sources and listeners where the sounds are transferred and coloured, such that each site has a specific soundscape – a sonotope. This raised questions about the landscape’s acoustic characteristics with respect to the physical layout, space, material and furnishing. Questions related to the planning process, land use and conflicts of interest were also raised, in addition to design issues such as space requirements and aesthetic considerations.

A prototype of a computer tool for use in landscape architecture was developed. This was intended to promote listening as well as stimulate an appreciation of the soundscape approach in the processes of planning and design. The purpose was to illustrate auditory problems and raise the aural awareness of the practitioners, for example, while carrying out visits on site. The tool provided a means through which researchers, practitioners and members of the public could meet to facilitate a mutual exchange of ideas. The tool was based on the results of qualitative interviews on two urban settings. These were referred to as reference objects, the design, building material, plant material, functions, traffic conditions and location of which have characteristics which practitioners can compare with their ongoing projects. One of the locations was a pasture on the outskirts of a city, while the other was a public garden which was located towards the centre of the same city. The pasture’s sonotope was characterised by clear, distinct sounds which were neither drowned out by sounds which were emitted a short distance away nor by those emitted at much greater distances. In contrast, the sonotope of the city garden was characterised by the sounds of its surroundings.