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Landscape Acoustics
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:23:18
Abstract
Landscape Acoustics describes an integrated design practice linking acoustic qualities to spatial concepts and material elements of landscape architecture. Introduction to the physical, theoretical, social and ecological foundations of landscape acoustics. Application examples and practical introductions to the current techniques and methods of soundscape analysis and environmental sound design.
Objective
This course covers basic theoretical and technical notions of sound as related to outdoor environments combining physical, perceptual, social and ecological knowledge. The course aims to raise awareness of acoustics as a multifaceted landscape perception and design constituent.
Content
Landscape Acoustics describes an integrated design practice linking acoustic qualities to spatial concepts and material elements of landscape architecture. It attaches equal importance to the production, propagation and perception of sound, considering a meaningful auditory relationship between people and their environment. This course covers basic theoretical and technical notions of sound as related to outdoor environments. It introduces a holistic sonic landscape understanding combining physical, perceptual, social and ecological approaches. Through case studies from different epochs and cultures, the course aims to raise awareness of acoustics as a multifaceted landscape perception and design constituent. Practice workshops and applied exercises – with introductions to field recording and the use of the AudioVisual Lab – invite students to explore different tools and methods for environmental sound analysis and design and become actors on acoustic landscape quality. The course includes weekly theory and design inputs and a two-day hands-on workshop. Short listening and soundwalking exercises in the beginning of the semester encourage students to dive into sonic landscape experience and adopt the theoretical course contents in an intuitive way. These observations are then processed into a site-specific semester thesis with written, graphic and sound content. The final oral presentations take place on the day of the last course date. A handout with detailed information will be presented during the first course meeting.
Resources
Lecture Notes
Handouts and a reading list will be provided.During the semester, students will have access to audio recording equipment and to the AudioVisual Lab workstations.
Literature
The course material includes a reading list.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Information
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 18
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Landscape Acoustics
No course on 24.3 (seminar week) and the last two weeks of the semester.
Weekend workshop (compulsory) field recording & lab work: 11.-12.03.2023
|
|
3 h weekly |
Offered In
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Advanced Courses (The specialized courses are freely selectable and offer students the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge in certain areas of landscape architecture. The details for the performance assessments are regulated in Art. 27.)
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