Lappin, S., Ouzounian, G., & O’Grady, R. (2018)
Notes, Page 7
I. Introductory Issues
- Urban Sound Perception:
- Urban environments traditionally view sound as noise, often considered a form of pollution.
- No universal definition of noise exists; it varies from person to person.
- Loud sounds are typically uncomfortable, but quiet sounds can also be irritating.
- Complexity of Noise:
- Noise, in policy documents, is categorized into environmental, neighbourhood, and neighbour noise.
- Environmental noise stems from consistently loud outdoor sources like transport and industry.
- Neighbourhood noise results from human activities within the community, such as entertainment or construction.
- Neighbour noise pertains to sounds within a person’s home or their neighbour’s home.
- Concept of Soundscape:
- The term “soundscape” goes beyond noise, providing a holistic view of the acoustic environment.
- Coined by R. Murray Schafer in “The Soundscape: Our Sonic Environment and The Tuning of the World” (1977).
- Encompasses all audible elements in a specific place at a given moment.
- Important to consider the urban soundscape alongside noise levels to appreciate both positive and negative aspects of sound in the environment.
II. Sound Beyond Noise
- Reinterpreting Urban Development:
- The initiative “Recomposing the City” questions how a focus on sound, rather than just noise, can contribute to enhancing urban areas.
- Views sound as vital to a city’s vitality, challenging the conventional perception of sound as a mere nuisance.
- Community and Safety:
- Jacqueline Waldock, a soundscape artist and researcher, argues that hearing one’s neighbor is not necessarily unpleasant.
- Suggests that being able to hear neighbors fosters a sense of safety and community.
- Holistic Approach to Urban Development:
- Proposes that urban development plans should not only aim to eliminate or block unwanted noise but also prioritize the promotion and enhancement of positive and distinctive aspects of the local soundscape.
- Implies that understanding and embracing the auditory character of an urban area can lead to more comprehensive and community-oriented development.
Lappin, S., Ouzounian, G., & O’Grady, R. (2018). The Sound-Considered City: A Guide for Decision-Makers.
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