Soundscapes: Humans and Their Acoustic Environment

The concept of "Soundscapes" includes all of the sounds in one's environment and focuses on the interrelationships between person and activity and place, both in space and time. It also includes influences on the acoustic environment through auditory sensation, its interpretation, and the responses to the acoustic environment in context. This book will bridge the gap between soundscape theory and practice and will be driven by the difficult process of standardization of Soundscape and its evaluation procedures. The main goal of the proposed volume is to present and review the developments in Soundscape, reflecting the standardization procedure and the diverse inputs. It will also focus on the difficulties and solutions in interdisciplinary grounded communication, related to science and application.

Format: Hardback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 25 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

The concept of "Soundscapes" encompasses the entirety of the sounds present in one's environment, extending beyond mere auditory perception. It delves into the intricate relationships between individuals, activities, and places, both in spatial and temporal contexts. Soundscapes also incorporate the influences of auditory sensations, their interpretation, and the responses to the acoustic environment within a specific context.

The conceptual framework of Soundscape defines the "process of perceiving, experiencing, and/or understanding an acoustic environment, highlighting general concepts and their relationships: context, sound sources, acoustic environment, auditory sensation, interpretation of auditory sensation, responses, and outcomes" (International Organization for Standardization, ISO 12913-1:2014 Acoustics Soundscape Part Definition and Conceptual Framework, ISO, Geneva, 2014).

By embracing the concept of Soundscapes, individuals gain a deeper understanding of the acoustic environment and its profound effects on human experiences. While the ISO standard 12931-1 provides a valuable and rigorous distinction in the use of "Soundscape," it is acknowledged that certain individuals, such as planners, designers, laypersons, and those primarily focused on environmental noise control, may find it convenient to use "Soundscape" as a synonym for the physical acoustic environment.

In the realm of noise management and urban planning, soundscape research holds immense potential to foster healthy urban environments. By facilitating the sharing and integration of knowledge among all concerned parties, soundscape research can contribute to the creation of more harmonious and balanced urban spaces. It is crucial to emphasize that effective communication regarding noise management must ensure that the nuances of Soundscapes, particularly the relevance of perception, are given due consideration.

In conclusion, the concept of Soundscapes extends beyond mere auditory perception, encompassing the interplay between individuals, activities, and places in the acoustic environment. It provides a rich framework for understanding and promoting the well-being of urban spaces through the integration of knowledge and the consideration of perception-related factors.

Weight: 688g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031227783
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023