title: Positioning soundscape research and management.
abstract: This paper is an outcome of a workshop that addressed the question how soundscape research can improve its impact on the local level. It addresses a number of topics by complementing existing approaches and practices with possible future approaches and practices. The paper starts with an analysis of the role of sound annoyance and suboptimal soundscapes on the lives of individuals and concludes that a good soundscape, or more generally a good sensescape, is at the same time pleasant as well as conducive for the adoption of healthy habits. To maintain or improve sensescape quality, urban planning needs improved design tools that allow for a more holistic optimization and an active role of the local stakeholders. Associated with this is a gradual development from government to governance in which optimization of the soundscape at a local (administrative or geographic) level is directly influenced by the users of spaces. The paper concludes that soundscape research can have a greater impact by helping urban planners design for health and pleasant experiences as well as developing tools for improved citizen involvement in local optimization.
authors.affiliation: Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive Engineering, University of Groningen, Postbus 407, 9700 AK Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Tjeerd C
authors.initials: TC
authors.lastname: Andringa
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Weber
authors.forename: Sarah R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Payne
authors.forename: J D Dirkjan
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Krijnders
authors.forename: Maxwell N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Dixon
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: v d Linden
authors.forename: Eveline G L
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: de Kock
authors.forename: J Jolie L
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Lanser
mesh_terms: D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000162:Acoustics; D001307:Auditory Perception; D001309:Auditory Threshold; D002958:City Planning / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D003071:Cognition; D004779:Environment Design / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D005160:Facility Design and Construction / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence / Q000379:methods*; D006184:Habits; D006801:Humans; D007508:Irritable Mood; D008144:Loudness Perception; D009622:Noise / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000517:prevention & control; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011634:Public Health; D011788:Quality of Life; D014504:Urban Health