Designing Urban Soundscapes - Defining Cultural Landscapes

Soundscapes, or acoustic environments, are part of natural, multi-sensory territorial experiences. The symbolic properties of sounds can influence perceptions of landscapes. In spite of this, the analysis and design of auditory experiences are rarely undertaken, resulting in territorial sound elements which are mere byproducts of everyday human activity. The discipline of acoustic design aims to enable the deliberate composition of environmental sound, thus contributing to shaping the subject’s interpretation of his environment. This study aims to identify the key aspects of urban soundscapes which influence territorial interpretation. Acoustic design methodology, as originally conceived by R. Murray Schafer, is revisited through the lens of interpretative anthropology, communication theory and design. The aesthetic and social dimensions of the soundscape are considered and, additionally, a soundwalk methodology is presented as a model for the analysis of urban soundscapes. This study concludes with reflections on the application of soundwalk methodology