Soundscape approach integrating noise mapping techniques: a case study in Brighton, UK

TLDR

European Environment Agency guidelines now recommend combining noise mapping, sound‑level measurements, and soundscape approaches, a holistic concept that local authorities in Europe are beginning to adopt. This study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of integrating conventional noise mapping with soundscape methods in an urban redevelopment project. Using the Valley Gardens redevelopment in Brighton & Hove, the authors simulated traffic and natural sound‑pressure level distributions and incorporated on‑site survey responses to produce sound‑map and soundscape‑map layers. The integrated approach revealed that reducing road‑traffic noise and adding preferred sounds such as water features or birdsong could improve the acoustic environment, offering planners a triangulated procedure for future noise policy.

Abstract

Abstract In the guidelines about the management of areas of good environmental noise quality recently published by the European Environment Agency (EEA) it is suggested to combine different methodologies, like noise mapping, sound level measurements and the soundscape approach. Such a recommendation has started to be recognised by a number of local authorities in Europe that are gradually integrating a holistic concept into their environmental noise policies. This research aimed to explore and demonstrate the possibility to integrate conventional noise mapping methods and soundscape methods in an actual urban redevelopment project. A case study was made using the Valley Gardens project in Brighton & Hove (UK). Different scenarios of sound-pressure level distributionswere simulated for both traffic sound sources (i.e. noise maps) and natural sound sources (i.e. sound maps). Additionally, individual responses about the sound environment of the place collected during an on-site question survey were used to implement soundscape maps. The overall picture revealed that the road traffic noise should be reduced, but also it is feasible that preferred sounds likewater features or birdsong could be introduced to make the sound environment more appropriate for the place. Generally, within the framework of this research, noise maps, sound maps and soundscape maps were used together to "triangulate" different layers of information related to the acoustic environment and the way it is perceived, providing a possible working procedure to consider for planners and policy-makers in the future.