Direct the city orchestra

City planning provides multiple opportunities to affect the sonic environment, not only in terms of noise but also by considering sound as a quality. The "city orchestra" can be directed through planning and design decisions; sound can be limited, stimulated or added. The design tool illustrates how.

In a study from 2018, more than 80 Japanese gardens were visited with the purpose to increase the understanding of how to create tranquil soundscapes. Listen to masking water sounds, nightingale floors, suikinkutsu and many other effects.

The special, almost singing sound arises when the huge metal structure moves in the wind or is influenced by the visiting people so that resonance tones are stimulated. Listen to the sound art by China Blue.

Under the section entitled "Reference sound", a number of recordings have been collected to illustrate the relationship between sound, planning and design. The clips include examples of masking and the effect of absorption.

Fountains can be used for their soothing sounds and can also have an effect to mask out traffic noise. The character and level of the sound is controlled by the design. Here you can listen to some common fountain types and water features.