Semester 01 Urban Noise Readers
Introduction
My research topic was changed to urban noise pollution because the previous topic made it difficult for me to choose my research question. Despite the topic change, some of my previous readers could still be used, as there are books that discuss our interactions with sound, but nothing too specific. This new research topic remains relevant to the readers Playing with Sound, Sonic Interaction Design and The Soundscape.
Ecoacoustics written in 2017 by Almo Farina and Stuart H. Gage. This book compiles and reviews the science behind eco acoustics and illustrates the key principles, techniques, and applications of this exciting field of study.
Sonic Experience written in 2006 by Jean-Francois Augoyard and Henri Torgue. The book is an alphabetical sourcebook dedicated to the topic of sonic and auditory effects.
Sound and Noise published in 2020 by Jenneth Epstein and Arline Bronzaft. This book examines how we listen to sounds, what we hear, and how we engage with them. Readers will be provided with the impetus and tools to understand the sounds and noises that define their everyday lives by this groundbreaking, interdisciplinary study of the impact auditory stimuli have on individuals and communities.
Sounding Composition written by Steph Ceraso in 2018. This book explores sonic pedagogy from the perspective of multimodal listening, which involves developing a deeper understanding of how sound can shape and is shaped by a variety of contexts, materials, and bodily experiences.
The Senses written by Ellen Lupton and Andrea Lipps in 2008. With the publication of The Senses, the Cooper-Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum presents a major exhibition that examines how space, materials, sound, and light affect the mind and body.
Discursive Design written by Bruce M. Tharp and Stephanie M. Tharp in 2019, The book explores how design can be used for good, prompting self-reflection, stimulating imagination, and bringing about positive social changes. My lecturer recommended this book because I am keen on using discursive design in my artefact.
Journeys in and Through Sound written by Todd Anderson-Kunert and Alison Baker in 2019. There are many case studies in this journal article that engage researchers and documentary or arts practitioners who use sound as part of their enquiry into the social and beyond. The article includes several case studies from different sound studies. As an example of audio archive research, Prescott Steed's Daddy Diary, a sound-based project that promotes critical reflection on how one might navigate parental responsibilities both in our lifetimes and beyond, may be considered.
Designing with Urban Sound written by Nina Hallgren in 2019. From a design-oriented and practice-based perspective, this graduate thesis explores the characteristics of urban sound spaces. I have selected some useful methods of analysing sound from the paper.
By moving, we contribute to the soundscape of a place. The act of moving allows us to connect the experience of space with the experience of sound. In urban settings, noise maps are an effective strategy for describing sound. The European Union launched its Environmental Noise Directive in 2002 which has been widely adopted throughout Europe (Hallgren 54).
Img.5 - Ecoacoustics by Almo Farina and Stuart H.Gage Img.6 - Sonic Experience By Jean-Francois Augoyard and Henri Torgue Img.7 - Sound and Noise By Jenneth Epstein and Arline Bronzaft Img.8 - Sounding Composition By Steph Ceraso
Img.9 - The Senses By Ellen Lupton and Andrea Lipps Img.10 - Discursive Design By Bruce M. Tharp and Stephanie M. Tharp Img.11 - Journeys in and Through Sound By Todd Anderson-Kunert and Alison Baker Img.12 - Designing with Urban Sound By Nina Hallgren
A case study of smartphone based
platform for
mapping and analysing
environmental noise in Singapore
The research paper published in 2018 by Saurabh Garg, Kian Meng Lim, and Heow Pueh Lee proposed a smartphone-based platform for mapping and analysing environmental noise in Singapore.
Noise maps were used by the authors as a means of visualising the data. The field recordings were conducted in Singaporean residential neighbourhoods and polytechnics.
Movement, Memory & The Senses In Soundscape Studies
This online article written by Jennifer Schine examines how the practice of soundwalks can be a tool for memory retrieval. This practice involves active listening to environmental sounds while moving through the environment. In addition to providing information about the self, soundwalks provide information about social consciousness and collective memory of place, as well as self and social consciousness.
As a result of reading the article, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the soundwalk practice. I believe it is a valuable tool in bringing awareness to noises within our surroundings, which might have been overlooked due to the busy lifestyle we lead in Singapore.
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Img.13 - Noise map of a residential neighbourhood in Jurong West -
Img.14 - NoiseExplorer user interface
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Img.15 - Noise maps for five polytechnics -
Img.16 - Noise maps for five residential neighbourhoods