Harmonic urbanism: Assessing and designing soundscapes: a case study of Tehran

Mansoorgarakani, Mehrnoosh 2024. Harmonic urbanism: Assessing and designing soundscapes: a case study of Tehran. PhD Thesis, Cardiff University. Item availability restricted.

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Abstract

This dissertation delves into the concept of 'soundscape' as a vital component of public spaces within cities, underscoring its significant yet often neglected role in urban design and planning. By focusing on the sonic dimensions of urban design, this research aims to articulate how soundscapes contribute to placemaking, thus challenging the predominant visual-centric approach in urban design. Drawing on the foundational theories proposed by Murray Schafer and inspired by Richard Sennett's critique of sensory deprivation in modern urban planning, this study posits that the auditory experience of cities is fundamental to understanding and improving the quality of urban life. The research employs Tehran, a city characterized by its unique blend of traditional and modern soundscapes, as a case study to examine the sonic environment of non-Western urban settings. This choice allows for a detailed exploration of how urban sounds influence placemaking processes and the experiences and behaviours of residents, thereby enriching the global discourse on urban soundscapes. Through a multidisciplinary methodology that includes in-depth interviews, sound recordings, and observational studies, the thesis seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between sound, space, and urban experience. This study highlights the importance of integrating auditory experiences in urban design to foster social connections, enhance community well-being, and create more inclusive and resonant public spaces. By advocating for a holistic sensory engagement with urban environments, it challenges current practices and provides empirical evidence supporting the need for sound-sensitive urban development. Furthermore, this research contributes to Iranian academic knowledge and suggests a pathway for more informed urban design practices in non-Western contexts, potentially guiding urban planning policies globally. In essence, this dissertation enriches the field of urban design and sound studies by proposing a framework for incorporating sound into the planning process, thereby ensuring urban environments cater to all sensory experiences. It underscores the transformative potential of soundscapes in creating vibrant, inclusive, and emotionally resonant urban spaces, offering new insights into the role of sound in shaping the experiential quality of public spaces and the well-being of urban inhabitants.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Date Type:	Completion
Status:	Unpublished
Schools:	Geography and Planning (GEOPL)
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > G Geography (General)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Urban design • Sonic dimensions • Urban planning • Auditory experience • Public spaces • Sensory deprivation • Tehran soundscape • Non-Western urban settings • Sound-sensitive urban development • Multidisciplinary methodology • Sensory engagement • Inclusive urban spaces • Community well-being • Iranian urban planning • Urban sound studies
Funders:	self
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	8 October 2024
Last Modified:	21 Oct 2024 13:18
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/172676

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