'Site Soundscapes : Sonotope Design' is based on the
assumption that landscape architects work on
projects in which the acoustic aspects can be taken
into consideration. In such projects activities are
seen to be located within the landscape, and
specific sounds belong to these activities. This
research raised the orchestration of the soundscape
as a new area of concern in the field of landscape
architecture; new methods of approaching the
problem are suggested. The landscape is viewed as a
space for sound sources and listeners where the
sounds are transferred and coloured, such that each
site constitute a 'sonotope.' Professionals can
learn to recognise the auditory phenomena which are
characteristic of a certain type of land use.
Acoustic sources are obvious elements as a starting
point in the planning process. Their effects on the
soundscape can subsequently be evaluated according
to various planning options. A prototype of a
computer tool for use in landscape architecture is
developed. This is intended to promote listening as
well as stimulate an appreciation of the soundscape
approach in the processes of planning and design.
