Every day we hear a variety of sounds which are interpreted differently by each person, giving identity to space and contributing to its general understanding. All these sounds of the acoustic environment compose various soundscapes.
However, the soundscape of the modern cities is characterized by noise and is threatened by destructive sounds. Therefore, an attempt will be done to investigate and seek ways and practices in soundscape’s improvement.
In this particular study, references are made to soundscapes, to their characteristics and to the way they become perceptible. Also an interpretation of the acoustic ecology will be given, which studies the relationship between the human, the sound and the environment. Its main goal is the protection and the improvement of the acoustic environment. Apart from the use of noise barriers, it suggests urban planning practices and architectural structures for the sound protection of urban places and buildings, in order to achieve optimal acoustic comfort. In addition, some research from the laboratory of Cresson will be presented, which engage the perception of the sound phenomena in urban places.
Urban open spaces are important elements in the cities, as they revitalize neighborhoods and contribute to the quality of life. There will be references to the significance of these places and important parameters will be identified that must be taken into consideration to achieve the best possible result.
Later on, the definition of noise and the role of noise-control design will be analyzed and certain measures for noise protection, principles and actions will be presented to address it.
In the second part of this project, certain examples of eco-design areas (ecodistricts) will be presented, which implement sustainable development strategies, while practices and design methods will be detected. Those aim to improve the acoustic environment and are based on previous studies. The aim of this survey is to gather information, ideas and design strategies to create a catalogue list that address to architects and urban planners.
