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Urban Soundscape Assessment by Visually Impaired People: First Methodological Approach in Granada (Spain)

Author

Listed:
  • Jerónimo Vida

    (Applied Physics Department, Faculty of Sciences, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • José Antonio Almagro

    (Scientific Instrumentation Center, CITIC, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Rafael García-Quesada

    (Building Construction Department, School of Architecture, University of Granada, 18071 Granada, Spain)

  • Francesco Aletta

    (Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Tin Oberman

    (Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Andrew Mitchell

    (Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • Jian Kang

    (Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

Abstract

Soundscape assessments by citizens are starting to emerge as a common practice, normally carried out in context by means of soundwalks along selected paths with volunteers. However, when such assessments are carried out, either in situ or in laboratory experiments, visually impaired citizens are not usually involved. To address this question, three soundwalks were carried out in 2020 in the city of Granada, in southern Spain, with the participation of visually impaired people. In this paper, we present the lessons learnt from this research with respect to the methodology issues that have to do with soundwalking and the surveying procedures when people with limited vison are participating, the assessment results, and a comparison with a soundscape evaluation carried out in 2019 without the collaboration of visually impaired people. The results of this preliminary campaign highlight that: (1) Adapting soundscape assessment protocols from standards for visually impaired people is a methodological challenge that requires research attention; (2) Some of the different patterns in the assessment of the soundscape pleasantness between visually impaired and nonvisually impaired participants emerged; (3) The perception of quietness may differ for visually impaired people when orientation and identification are factors that play a role in the acoustic environment evaluation.

Suggested Citation

  • Jerónimo Vida & José Antonio Almagro & Rafael García-Quesada & Francesco Aletta & Tin Oberman & Andrew Mitchell & Jian Kang, 2021. "Urban Soundscape Assessment by Visually Impaired People: First Methodological Approach in Granada (Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13867-:d:703306
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Christina E. Mediastika & Anugrah S. Sudarsono & Luciana Kristanto & Gunawan Tanuwidjaja & Rony G. Sunaryo & Rully Damayanti, 2020. "Appraising the sonic environment of urban parks using the soundscape dimension of visually impaired people," International Journal of Urban Sciences, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(2), pages 216-241, April.
    2. Efstathios Margaritis & Jian Kang & Francesco Aletta & Östen Axelsson, 2020. "On the relationship between land use and sound sources in the urban environment," Journal of Urban Design, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(5), pages 629-645, September.
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