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Sustainable Soundscapes: Noise Policy and the Urban Experience

Author

Listed:
  • Mags Adams

    (Acoustics Research Centre, Salford University, Salford, M5 4WT, UK)

  • Trevor Cox

    (Acoustics Research Centre, Salford University, Salford, M5 4WT, UK)

  • Gemma Moore

    (Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, Gower Street, London, WCIE 6BT, UK)

  • Ben Croxford

    (Bartlett School of Graduate Studies, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, Gower Street, London, WCIE 6BT, UK)

  • Mohamed Refaee

    (School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, The Arts Tower, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK)

  • Steve Sharples

    (School of Architecture, University of Sheffield, The Arts Tower, Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK)

Abstract

This paper introduces regulatory components influencing city soundscapes in Europe and the UK, illustrating the abatement approach taken within noise policy, demonstrating the importance of individual experience in assessing the soundscapes of urban environments and identifying a terminology to facilitate an introduction of soundscapes into the planning process. Drawing on work from soundscape ecology, a way is demonstrated to coalesce these divergent positions. Reviewing interviews undertaken in Clerkenwell, the paper demonstrates that it is not simply noise levels that are important to people in an urban area. Context, source, distance, temporariness and control over noise, are all relevant to whether people would want to see a particular sound eliminated from their soundscape. Using Schafer's terminology 'keynote sounds', 'soundmarks' and 'sound signals', a rationale is proposed through which experienced soundscapes may be articulated, challenging the strategy of noise abatement which could produce a conformity of soundscape that homogenises place and dissolves local uniqueness.

Suggested Citation

  • Mags Adams & Trevor Cox & Gemma Moore & Ben Croxford & Mohamed Refaee & Steve Sharples, 2006. "Sustainable Soundscapes: Noise Policy and the Urban Experience," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 43(13), pages 2385-2398, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:43:y:2006:i:13:p:2385-2398
    DOI: 10.1080/00420980600972504
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. J. Tomkins & N. Topham & J. Twomey & R. Ward, 1998. "Noise versus Access: The Impact of an Airport in an Urban Property Market," Urban Studies, Urban Studies Journal Limited, vol. 35(2), pages 243-258, February.
    2. Julii S. Brainard & Andrew P. Jones & Ian J. Bateman, 2006. "Exposure to Environmental Urban Noise Pollution in Birmingham, UK," Chapters, in: Ysé Serret & Nick Johnstone (ed.), The Distributional Effects of Environmental Policy, chapter 6, Edward Elgar Publishing.
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    Cited by:

    1. Hammad, Ahmed W A & Akbarnezhad, Ali & Rey, David, 2017. "Sustainable urban facility location: Minimising noise pollution and network congestion," Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 38-59.
    2. Yangang Xing & Phil Jones & Iain Donnison, 2017. "Characterisation of Nature-Based Solutions for the Built Environment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(1), pages 1-20, January.
    3. Malik Muhammad Anees & Muhammad Qasim & Aroj Bashir, 2017. "Physiological and Physical Impact of Noise Pollution on Environment," Earth Sciences Pakistan (ESP), Zibeline International Publishing, vol. 1(1), pages 8-10, January.
    4. Jones, Peter & Lucas, Karen, 2012. "The social consequences of transport decision-making: clarifying concepts, synthesising knowledge and assessing implications," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 21(C), pages 4-16.

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