8–12 Sept 2026
Europe/Vienna timezone

Perspective on Soundscape Practices – Public and Occupational Health Benefits

FA2026/222
8 Sept 2026, 15:00
20m
Saal 2 (Messe Congress Graz)

Saal 2

Messe Congress Graz

A18 Soundscape, Environmental Quality, Health and Well-being A18.02 Soundscape practice and interventions

Speaker

Tin Oberman (University College London)

Description

Soundscape approaches, as formalized in the ISO 12913 series, have introduced perceptual dimensions into environmental acoustics, complementing traditional noise metrics. Recent developments, including the Soundscape Perception Index (SPI) from the ERC-funded Soundscape Indices (SSID) project, provide quantitative tools for describing and comparing sound environments. However, their uptake in professional practice remains limited. This perspective paper argues that current methodological and data-related advances enable a transition towards implementation. A strategy is proposed to support the integration of soundscape indices into existing design, engineering, and policy processes. The approach focuses on identifying feasible entry points within current workflows and evaluating application scenarios through simulated and case-informed studies. Particular attention is given to public and occupational health contexts, where soundscape considerations can complement existing noise management practices. The proposed framework seeks to accelerate the uptake of soundscape practices by producing transferable workflows, practical recommendations, and an open-access multimedia evidence base. Ultimately, this work contributes to bridging the gap between research and application, supporting the integration of soundscape thinking into mainstream environmental design and policy.

Authors

Tin Oberman (University College London) Francesco Aletta (University College London) Jian Kang (University College London)

Presentation materials