A listener-centred approach to soundscape evaluation

Foale, K; Davies, WJ

Abstract

I am conducting a Grounded Theory study into measuring opinions of urban soundscapes. Participants are given a
small portable recording device and asked to keep a sound diary for two weeks. At the end of the two weeks, they
are given a 60-minute interview about their experiences. The methodology is designed to give people time to think
about soundscapes on their own terms, recording what is important to them, rather than using a researcher-selected
environment and vocabulary. Early data suggests people listen in a multitude of ways that challenge existing
ideas of modes of listening, care more about work and home environments than public places, and that the role
and importance of soundscape is both quantitatively and qualitatively different in varying environments. I also
question the idea of what an expert listener is, with examples of various ways participants have demonstrated very
high aural acuity without any acoustics, sound engineering or musical background, for instance.

Citation

Foale, K., & Davies, W. (2012, April). A listener-centred approach to soundscape evaluation. Presented at Acoustics 2012, Nantes

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Acoustics 2012
• Conference Location: Nantes
• Start Date: Apr 23, 2012
• End Date: Apr 27, 2012
• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Sep 6, 2013
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 5, 2016
• Publisher URL: http://www.acoustics2012-nantes.org/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference