Landscape Acoustics

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 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 introducing the students to field recording techniques and to using the AudioVisual Room for the spatial simulation of sonic landscape scenarios. 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 focusing on the design of a 3D acoustic scenario, supplemented with written and graphic presentation contents. 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.

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