Introduction to Soundwalking—An important part of the soundscape method

• Published in: The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 2023-10, Vol.154 (4_supplement), p.A273-A273
• Main Authors: Woolworth, David S., Brooks, Bennett, Schulte-Fortkamp, Brigitte
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0001-4966; 1520-8524
• DOI: 10.1121/10.0023505

The soundscape method provides a holistic understanding of the perception by local stakeholders of an acoustical environment. The soundwalk is an important tool of the soundscape technique and is used to measure these perceptions. The core of the soundwalk technique is that local experts experience and evaluate, in context, the acoustical environment where they live, work, and play. The collected soundwalk data can assist in the new design, or an intervention on existing conditions, for an improved quality of life in our communities. This presentation will describe the usefulness of the soundwalk technique and the results which one can obtain. Topics include, planning a soundwalk, ISO Standard 12913 Part 2 procedures, conducting a soundwalk, who are local experts, gathering participants, interaction of participants and problem solving (sound levels and subjective judgments), factors in judgment (sound quality and psychoacoustics), health and healthy soundscapes, interpretation of data, and applications such as ordinances and interventions. Examples of collected soundwalk data, including real-world outcomes are discussed. A soundwalk in Sydney will be conducted following the presentation (about an hour), everyone is invited to participate. After the walk, participants are encouraged to engage in a discussion of the experience, provide additional feedback, and ask questions.