Acoustic Objectives for Designed or Managed Soundscapes

Abstract

This paper describes acoustic objectives for designed and managed soundscapes, and suggests that these be called "Proposed Acoustic Environments". These acoustic objectives need to be defined on the basis of the information content of the sound, not, as is dominant in conventional noise abatement and control assessments, on the level of the sound. Starting with acoustic objectives specified in this way, there is a logical design process that can be followed that requires separate analysis and assessment of the wanted and unwanted sounds at a site and their appropriate management. Such an approach is essen- tial if soundscape planning is to bridge a major communicational divide that currently exists between the concepts of acoustic ecology and the large body of knowledge and practice represented by conventional noise management.