Sound is an essential element of urban environments, but it can also be a source of noise, stress, and discomfort. How can you design soundscapes that enhance the quality of life, identity, and diversity of urban spaces? In this article, you will learn some basic principles and methods of soundscape design, and how to apply them to different types of urban contexts.
Soundscape design is the art and science of creating, modifying, or enhancing the acoustic environment of a place, using sound as a medium of expression, communication, and interaction. Soundscape design considers not only the physical properties of sound, but also the psychological, social, and cultural aspects of how people perceive, experience, and value sound. Soundscape design aims to create sound environments that are appropriate, comfortable, and meaningful for the users and inhabitants of a place.
Soundscape design is important because sound affects our health, well-being, mood, behavior, and sense of place. Sound can also convey information, identity, history, and diversity of a place, and create a sense of connection, belonging, and participation. Soundscape design can help to reduce noise pollution, improve acoustic comfort, and enhance the aesthetic, functional, and emotional qualities of urban spaces. Soundscape design can also support urban sustainability, resilience, and social inclusion, by fostering awareness, engagement, and dialogue among different stakeholders and communities.
El trabajar para el desarrollo de todos los sentidos en el espacio público, ayuda sobre todo a ni?os en edades tempranas a tener un mejor desarrollo cognitivo y a personas ancianas a mejorar su calidad de vida mediante algunas terapias de estimulación. Para el resto de la sociedad puede ser un elemento interesante de conexión con la naturaleza y evasión del resto del espacio urbano.
Before designing soundscapes, you need to assess the existing sound environment of a place, and understand the needs, preferences, and expectations of the users and inhabitants. To do this, you can use various tools and methods such as sound level meters and noise maps to quantify sound pressure level, frequency spectrum, and spatial distribution of sound sources. Additionally, soundwalks and sound diaries can be used to observe and document sound events, activities, and ambiance of a place. Interviews and surveys can also be employed to collect feedback from users and inhabitants about their sound experiences. Finally, sound quality indicators and soundscape indices can be used to assess acoustic comfort, pleasantness, appropriateness, and diversity of soundscapes based on objective and subjective criteria.
After assessing soundscapes, you can design soundscapes that suit the purpose, function, and character of a place, and that meet the needs, preferences, and expectations of the users and inhabitants. To do so, you can use various strategies and techniques such as sound masking and insulation to reduce unwanted or intrusive sounds, sound enhancement and creation to increase desired or attractive sounds, and sound modulation and adaptation to adjust the sound level according to the time, season, weather, or activity of a place. For instance, you could add background sounds like white noise or natural sounds to reduce traffic noise; use loudspeakers or sound installations to increase music, speech, or water sounds; and use sound sensors, controllers, or timers to adjust the frequency, direction, and duration of sound sources. Additionally, you can create new sound sources like fountains, bells, or wind chimes as well as allow user interaction and feedback.
El uso de elementos como plantas de diferentes alturas, de troncos ligeros y arbustivas puede ayudar a crear diferentes sonidos con la ayuda del viento. Además, si creamos espacios vegetales que fomenten la biodiversidad, lograremos interesantes sonidos de insectos y peque?as aves.
Designing soundscapes for urban environments is a creative and challenging process that requires a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, as well as a careful balance between technical, aesthetic, and ethical aspects. To evaluate the effectiveness, impact, and satisfaction of your soundscapes, as well as monitor and maintain their quality and performance over time, you can use various tools and methods. These include sound level meters and noise maps to verify the sound pressure level, frequency spectrum, and spatial distribution of sound sources; soundwalks and sound diaries to observe and document the sound events, activities, ambiance of a place; interviews and surveys to collect feedback from users; and sound quality indicators and soundscape indices to assess acoustic comfort, pleasantness, appropriateness, and diversity of soundscapes. By designing soundscapes for urban environments you can create more livable, enjoyable, and meaningful places for yourself and others.
EL paisaje sonoro está supeditado al entorno en el que se encuentra el proyecto, ya que si es muy ruidoso necesitaremos crear algún tipo de pantalla artificial o vegetal que nos ayude a aislarnos del ruido circundante.