scholarly journals Soundscape in Times of Change: Case Study of a City Neighbourhood During the COVID-19 Lockdown

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Lenzi ◽  
Juan Sádaba ◽  
PerMagnus Lindborg
Keyword(s):  
Basque Country ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Significant Shift ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Personal Mobility

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) lockdown meant a greatly reduced social and economic activity. Sound is of major importance to people’s perception of the environment, and some remarked that the soundscape was changing for the better. But are these anecdotal reports based in truth? Has traffic noise from cars and airplanes really gone down, so that more birdsong can be heard? Have socially distanced people quietened down? This article presents a case study of the human perception of environmental sounds in an urban neighborhood in the Basque Country between 15 March and 25 May 2020. The social restrictions imposed through national legislation divided the 69-day period into three phases. We collected observations, field audio recordings, photography, and diary notes on 50 days. Experts in soundscape and architecture were presented with the recordings, in randomized order, and made two separate perceptual analyses. One group (N = 11) rated the recordings for pleasantness and eventfulness using an adapted version of the Swedish Soundscape Quality Protocol, and a partly overlapping group (N = 12) annotated perceived sound events with free-form semantic labels. The labels were systematically classified into a four-level Taxonomy of Sound Sources, allowing an estimation of the relative amounts of Natural, Human, and Technological sounds. Loudness and three descriptors developed for bioacoustics were extracted computationally. Analysis showed that Eventfulness, Acoustic Complexity, and Acoustic Richness increased significantly over the time period, while the amount of Technological sounds decreased. These observations were interpreted as reflecting changes in people’s outdoor activities and behavior over the whole 69-day period, evidenced in an increased presence of Human sounds of voices and walking, and a significant shift from motorized vehicles toward personal mobility devices, again evidenced by perceived sounds. Quantitative results provided a backdrop against which qualitative analyses of diary notes and observations were interpreted in relation to the restrictions and the architectural specifics of the site. An integrated analysis of all sources pointed at the temporary suspension of human outdoor activity as the main reason for such a change. In the third phase, the progressive return of street life and the usage of personal mobility vehicles seemed to be responsible for a clear increase in Eventfulness and Loudness even in the context of an overall decrease of Technological sounds. Indoor human activity shared through open windows and an increased presence of birdsong emerge as a novel characteristic element of the local urban soundscape. We discuss how such changes in the acoustic environment of the site, in acoustic measurements and as perceived by humans, point toward the soundscape being a crucial component of a comprehensive urban design strategy that aims to improve health and quality of life for increasingly large and dense populations in the future.

scholarly journals Soundscape approach integrating noise mapping techniques: a case study in Brighton, UK

Noise Mapping ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francesco Aletta ◽  
Jian Kang
Keyword(s):  
Road Traffic ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Noise Mapping ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Sound Environment ◽  
Sound Maps

AbstractIn the guidelines about the management of areas of good environmental noise quality recently published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) it is suggested to combine different methodologies, like noise mapping, sound level measurements and the soundscape approach. Such a recommendation has started to be recognised by a number of local authorities in Europe that are gradually integrating a holistic concept into their environmental noise policies. This research aimed to explore and demonstrate the possibility to integrate conventional noise mapping methods and soundscape methods in an actual urban redevelopment project. A case study was made using the Valley Gardens project in Brighton & Hove (UK). Different scenarios of sound-pressure level distributionswere simulated for both traffic sound sources (i.e. noise maps) and natural sound sources (i.e. sound maps). Additionally, individual responses about the sound environment of the place collected during an on-site question survey were used to implement soundscape maps.The overall picture revealed that the road traffic noise should be reduced, but also it is feasible that preferred sounds likewater features or birdsong could be introduced to make the sound environment more appropriate for the place. Generally, within the framework of this research, noise maps, sound maps and soundscape maps were used together to "triangulate" different layers of information related to the acoustic environment and the way it is perceived, providing a possible working procedure to consider for planners and policy-makers in the future.

Case study: Analysis and planning of campus acoustic environment under traffic noise: A case analysis of Shandong University in China

2020 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 378-388
Author(s):  
Qiao Ning ◽  
Hao Tong
Keyword(s):  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Urban Traffic ◽  
Campus Planning ◽  
Noise Condition ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Case Study Analysis ◽  
Noise Data ◽  
Teaching Area ◽  
Functional Areas

The purpose of this article is to analyze the acoustic environment of the campus under the influence of urban traffic noise and put forward the corresponding noise reduction measures. Taking the Central Campus of Shandong University as an example, this research obtained the noise data of the traffic inside and around the campus according to field measurement, drew the map of the traffic noise on the campus and analyzed the noise condition of campus from two aspects of the whole campus and the three functional areas â–” living area, sports area, and teaching area. The results indicated that the traffic noise on the campus mainly comes from the off-campus traffic, and the affected area is concentrated in the edge of the campus; the most serious area is the West dormitory area. Based on the analysis results, this article put forward constructive suggestions for campus acoustic environment planning and simulated the adjustment of campus planning to improve acoustic environment on the campus.

scholarly journals Acoustic Environment of Urban Historical Places: A Case Study in Kastamonu, Turkey

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8423
Author(s):  
Nur Belkayalı ◽  
Işıl Kaymaz
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Plant Density ◽  
Pressure Level ◽  
Intangible Cultural Heritage ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Planning And Design ◽  
Intended Use

The general aim of this paper is to demonstrate the significance of the acoustic environment in urban historical places, which represent intangible cultural heritage, and to emphasize the need for the spaces to have their own unique acoustic environment depending on their characteristics. Both sound pressure level measurements and sound classifications were conducted in three urban historical places to emphasize their effect on the character of the area. Based on the data obtained, noise maps were created. The results of the study indicated that there was no change in sound sources due to the similarity of past and present usage types of the three selected historical areas, and that sound sources as an element of cultural heritage in the area were preserved and survived to the present day as a consequence. The type of use, intensity of use, structural-plant density, and climatic change were found to be effective in determining the acoustic environment character. The continuity of sound sources, which are among the elements that constitute the identity in historical places in particular and can be considered as cultural heritage elements, and the harmony of these sound sources for the intended use of the space are the factors that should be taken into account in spatial planning and design.

Understanding the Effect of Restorativeness in Indoor Soundscapes through a Conceptual Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 263 (5) ◽  
pp. 1019-1028
Author(s):  
Cemre Orhan ◽  
Semiha Yilmazer
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Model ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Stress Recovery ◽  
Comprehensive Model ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Daily Lives ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Biophilic Design ◽  
Quality Of Living

The soundscape is defined as the acoustic environment perceived or experienced by a person or people. Soundscape research, where human perception is at the center, has generally been conducted on unwanted sound sources to identify sounds' negative health effects. Therefore, wanted sound sources and their impact on being exposed to soundscapes that may induce positive outputs on health has been neglected. People tend to be in places that reduce stress and increase restoration. However, many indoor places cause stress in our daily lives and decrease the quality of living. This study aims to generate the conceptual model that would be used to identify what causes stress indoors and what can be done to transfer these spaces into restorative ones from the soundscape perspective. To generate a comprehensive model, by centering the soundscape framework of ISO, its constructs were combined with Attention Restorative Theory (ART), Stress Recovery Theory (SRT), and Biophilic Design approach into positive and negative relations based on their effects on health.

Subjective Evaluation of Acoustic Environment in Underground Spaces

2012 ◽  
Vol 450-451 ◽  
pp. 1498-1503
Author(s):  
Qi Meng ◽  
Jian Kang ◽  
Hong Jin
Keyword(s):  
Subjective Evaluation ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Sound Sources ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Subjective Loudness ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
The Relationship

Previous studies have demonstrated that users’ evaluation of acoustic environment such as subjective loudness or acoustic comfort depends on a series of factors in a particular space, rather than only on sound pressure levels. In this study, more than 2800 interviews have been undertaken at underground spaces in Harbin, China, to find out influencing factors to users’ evaluation, considering both space conditions and demographical factors. Based on the analysis of case study results, it has been found that in underground spaces, background music is generally noticeable and preferred, and it is useful for psychologically ‘masking’ other less preferred sound sources. While there is a linear correlation between the measured LAeq and the subjective loudness, the relationship between the measured LAeq and the acoustic comfort evaluation is of a parabolic shape, and the acoustic comfort is the best when LAeq is around 65-70dB. There is no significant difference between different age groups, whereas people with a higher income level tend to feel that an underground space is nosier and less acoustically comfortable.

A case study evaluation of a community multidisciplinary team in South East England using a mixed-method approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 70 (suppl 1) ◽  
pp. bjgp20X711569
Author(s):  
Jessica Wyatt Muscat
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Free Form ◽  
Normalisation Process Theory ◽  
Multidisciplinary Teams ◽  
Mixed Method Approach ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Method Approach

BackgroundCommunity multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) represent a model of integrated care comprising health, social care, and the voluntary sector where members work collaboratively to coordinate care for those patients most at risk.AimThe evaluation will answer the question, ‘What are the enablers and what are the restrictors to the embedding of the case study MDT into the routine practice of the health and social care teams involved in the project?’MethodThe MDT was evaluated using a mixed-method approach with normalisation process theory as a methodological tool. Both quantitative and qualitative data were gathered through a questionnaire consisting of the NoMAD survey followed by free-form questions.ResultsThe concepts of the MDT were generally clear, and participants could see the potential benefits of the programme, though this was found to be lower in GPs. Certain professionals, particularly mental health and nursing professionals, found it difficult to integrate the MDT into normal working patterns because of a lack of resources. Participants also felt there was a lack of training for MDT working. A lack of awareness of evidence supporting the programme was shown particularly within management, GP, and nursing roles.ConclusionSpecific recommendations have been made in order to improve the MDT under evaluation. These include adjustments to IT systems and meeting documentation, continued education as to the purpose of the MDT, and the engagement of GPs to enable better buy-in. Recommendations were made to focus the agenda with specialist attendance when necessary, and to expand the MDT remit, particularly in mental health and geriatrics.

scholarly journals Effects of Evocative Audio-Visual Installations on the Restorativeness in Urban Parks

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (15) ◽  
pp. 8328
Author(s):  
Massimiliano Masullo ◽  
Luigi Maffei ◽  
Aniello Pascale ◽  
Vincenzo Paolo Senese ◽  
Simona De Stefano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Inclusion ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Urban Parks ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Beneficial Effects ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
Experimental Laboratory

Road traffic noise is responsible for several negative health effects for citizens in modern cities. Inside urban parks, which citizens use for social inclusion and cohesion, psychological and physical restoration, and physical activities, road traffic noise may significantly reduce the potential of these places to induce or enhance well-being. Although access restriction schemes and screens could be effective solutions to limit noise inside urban park areas, preserving their potential regenerative role may engender mobility, social, aesthetic, and architectural issues. Due to the positive effects that natural elements and water sounds can have on human perception, and based on the previous findings of the beneficial effects of audio-visual installations, this paper investigates the possibility of using audio-visual installations that simply evoke some natural features to improve the restoration of individuals inside urban parks. The study has been carried out using immersive virtual environments in two different experimental laboratory sessions in Hong Kong (China) and Aversa (Italy). The results showed that the positive effects provided by evocative installations were similar to those provided by traditional installations. Furthermore, the effects on the restoration increased as the installations became larger and included enveloping shapes. Furthermore, we found that the amount of evocative water installations’ material was responsible for changes in restoration. In contrast, the Chinese groups were less influenced by these installations.

scholarly journals A Holistic Approach to Integrate and Evaluate Sustainable Development in Higher Education. The Case Study of the University of the Basque Country

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 392
Author(s):  
Estibaliz Sáez de Cámara ◽  
Idoia Fernández ◽  
Nekane Castillo-Eguskitza
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Basque Country ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Institutional Setting ◽  
Practical Case ◽  
Development Indicators ◽  
Agenda 2030 ◽  
The University

Since the United Nations (UN) approved the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development in 2015, higher education institutions have increasingly demonstrated their commitment by supporting several initiatives. Although a great deal of progress has been made, there is still a lack of integrative approaches to truly implement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in higher education. This paper presents a practical case that illustrates how to design and articulate SDGs within an institutional setting adopting a holistic approach: EHUagenda 2030 plan of the University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU). It is based on empirical inquiry into global and holistic sustainable transformation and a real experience to move towards a verifiable and pragmatic contribution to sustainability. This plan describes the contribution to 12 of the 17 SDGs, along with three sectorial plans (Equality Campus, Inclusion Campus and Planet Campus), as well as the refocus of the UPV/EHU’s Educational Model and the panel of sustainable development indicators, which addresses the technical aspects of monitoring the SDGs. The methodology (mapping; mainstreaming; diagnosis and definition and, finally, estimation) is systematic and replicable in other universities yet to embark upon this integration. This case study makes a contribution towards the understanding of the complexity of the changes in Higher Education and the ways to approach it.

scholarly journals Noise at the time of COVID 19: The impact in some areas in Rome and Milan, Italy

Noise Mapping ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 248-264
Author(s):  
Rosa Maria Alsina Pagès ◽  
Francesc Alías ◽  
Patrizia Bellucci ◽  
Pier Paolo Cartolano ◽  
Ilaria Coppa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Motor Vehicles ◽  
Acoustic Environment ◽  
Commercial Activities ◽  
Real Time Traffic ◽  
Italian Regions ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed in Italy at the end of January 2020, when the first positive cases for the virus were identified. At the beginning of March, the virus had spread to all Italian regions and on 10 March 2020 the lockdown phase began, limiting the movement of people and prohibiting almost all commercial activities, businesses and non-essential industries. As a result, millions of people were forced to stay at home, causing a drastic drop in traffic volume, which significantly changed the acoustic environment and air quality of cities. On 4 May 2020, the lockdown was partially lifted and activities were progressively reopened. Therefore, traffic gradually started to increase and, consequently, the noise emitted by motor vehicles. This behaviour was confirmed by the data collected by the DYNAMAP system, an automatic platform developed within the LIFE DYNAMAP project, providing real time traffic noise maps in terms of sound pressure levels and impacts at receivers (people and dwellings exposed to noise level bands). In this paper traffic and non-traffic-related noise events in the cities of Rome and Milan from March to May 2020 are analysed and compared to the corresponding values in 2019 to evaluate the effects of the lockdown period.

scholarly journals Carnavalesk taalgebruik en de constructie van lokale identiteiten

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leonie M.E.A. Cornips ◽  
Vincent de Rooij ◽  
Irene Stengs
Keyword(s):  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Cultural Elements ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Norms And Values ◽  
Southern Netherlands ◽  
Interdisciplinary Study ◽  
The City ◽  
Selection Of

This article aims to encourage the interdisciplinary study of ‘languaculture,’ an approach to language and culture in which ideology, linguistic and cultural forms, as well as praxis are studied in relation to one another. An integrated analysis of the selection of linguistic and cultural elements provides insight into how these choices arise from internalized norms and values, and how people position themselves toward received categories and hegemonic ideologies. An interdisciplinary approach will stimulate a rethinking of established concepts and methods of research. It will also lead to a mutual strengthening of linguistic, sociolinguistic, and anthropological research. This contribution focuses on Limburg and the linguistic political context of this Southern-Netherlands region where people are strongly aware of their linguistic distinctiveness. The argument of the paper is based on a case study of languaculture, viz. the carnivalesque song ‘Naar Talia’ (To Italy) by the Getske Boys from the city of Heerlen.

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