Experiments to develop soundscape design methods.

A proposed soundscape design method to evaluate acoustical impacts of planning and building projects on the surrounding community as a way to work toward net zero noise impacts is summarized. The concept of net zero impacts is borrowed from ecological planning where buildings are designed to produce as much energy as they use. The idea of a net zero noise impact is one where a building or planning project does not increase the existing ambient noise level during its use. The first step in this process is to define the nature of the existing ambient soundscape in the vicinity of the project. The method includes long term acoustical measurements of ambient sounds, short term detailed measurements of specific acoustic events, focus group meetings with residents and stakeholders to identify and evaluate acoustical issues, methods to map qualitative aspects of the soundscape, computer modeling of various types to assist in developing design alternatives, evaluation of possible weather effects, qualitative and quantitative assessments of calibrated aural simulations of design alternatives, and postconstruction verification methods. Examples from multiple case studies of large scale infrastructure and building projects are used to document strengths and weaknesses of the proposed method.