The role of indoor soundscape methodology: From architectural design process to establishment of regulations

Abstract

One of the most important research field to enhance the environment is”soundscape” that concentrates on urban and indoor sound environments, with a focus on improving the quality and pleasantness. The ability of designing sustainable soundscapes and the necessity of it, have led to a new discussion in standardization of soundscapes. Most of the detailed work of the working group on perceptual assessment of soundscape (ISO/TC 43/SCI/WG 54) focuses on soundscape quality, analysis methods and parameters on open public spaces. However, indoor soundscaping, which is a more recent research topic is as important as the urban soundscape because people spend 80% of their time indoors. Therefore, its standardization and application in the architectural design process is very crucial to improve indoor soundscape quality. In this study, present policies and applications about noise management and soundscape are assessed and international regulations are compared. In addition, deficiencies in both national and international regulations regarding indoor soundscaping, and promising leading role of standardizing indoor soundscape methods and factors to be used in architectural design process and the establishment of related regulations are discussed.