Characterizing soundscapes represents a broad variety of approaches (ecological, sociological, phenomenological) in a continuum from completely natural to highly urban environments. There is an urgent need for the use of innovative designs which integrate the different levels of current analyses (qualitative and quantitative; individual and aggregate levels). The criteria (beyond sound level) of a good soundscape (What is a sensitive soundscape? What are soundscape requirements for a resort area or natural quiet?), that should be protected are central to the origin of the soundscape idea. Other classical acoustics questions, such as the use of audibility intrusiveness under critical conditions and under condition of mixed sources and time pattern, should be asked differently to deepen insight and understanding. A first attempt was made to monitor acoustical changes in an Italian mountain resort: Classical indicators (L95, L5, Leq) were used to locate geographical areas of increases in intrusiveness of the soundscape and linked to the activity pattern of the area. Several projects were conducted to define and localize quiet areas for a nature conservation program. Descriptive and analytical techniques, such as participatory sound and listening walks, cognitive maps, acoustical spectrographic maps, and soundscapegraphy are new techniques to consider for multi-disciplined approaches in different environments.
Traffic noise is considered as one major source of noise annoyance in urban context indicated by the increasing number of complaints. The neglect of quality parameters regarding pass-by noise appears as a basic cause for the unreduced annoyance. Several parameters besides the SPL have an important influence on noise evaluation, such as low frequency contributions, temporal aspects or noise patterns. The European research project Quiet City Transport (6FP PL516420) was motivated by the EU Noise Directive 2002/49/EC and is dealing with vehicle pass-by noise and its evaluation in order to identify promising noise mitigation measures. In this framework a quantitative description of noise annoyance using psychoacoustic descriptors was achieved. By means of the detected metric certain perceptual-relevant aspects, such as the difference between diesel and gas, can be reconstructed. Furthermore, the development of a synthesis tool makes the simulation and binaural auralization of pass-by noise, traffic noise as well as specific vehicle noise sources possible. Based on the presented technique the detailed investigation of causes for noise annoyance is carried out. The results will be presented.
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