Site Soundscapes : Landscape Architecture in the Light of Sound

Site Soundscapes: Sonotope Design is based on the assumption that landscape architects work on projects in which the acoustic aspects can be taken into consideration. In such projects activities are seen to be located within the landscape, and specific sounds belong to these activities. This research raised the orchestration of the soundscape as a new area of concern in the field of landscape architecture; new methods of approaching the problem are suggested. The landscape is viewed as a space for sound sources and listeners where the sounds are transferred and coloured, such that each site constitute a sonotope. Professionals can learn to recognise the auditory phenomena which are characteristic of a certain type of land use. Acoustic sources are obvious elements as a starting point in the planning process. Their effects on the soundscape can subsequently be evaluated according to various planning options. A prototype of a computer tool for use in landscape architecture is developed. This is intended to promote listening as well as stimulate an appreciation of the soundscape approach in the processes of planning and design.