Developing a holistic tranquillity assessment method from a soundscape design approach.

Standardised soundscape methodologies are now being commonly applied to measure and interpret the perception of acoustic environments, in context. Different tranquillity assessments exist that make use of objective measurements of sound levels, interpretation of the sound sources present, and visual features in the surroundings. These have been shown to work well but with the advancements in soundscape research is it possible to improve or supplement these methodologies through the addition of a specific soundscape assessment oof the tranquillity of a space? Using the data collection methods of soundscape principals defined in ISO 12913-2:2018 the proposition was to develop a supplementary assessment method for small urban spaces that could be valued for their tranquillity by local communities and individuals. The method considered existing research on Attention Restorative Theory and optimum tranquil spaces to identify a set of perceptual variables, or attributes, for use during a 'Tranquillity Soundwalk' in a related questionnaire. The methodology was tested by the authors as a pilot study by conducting a Soundwalk at a set of heritage locations within the Knowledge Quarter of London. The findings are supportive with recommendations for further development of the method that should be tested with a statistically significant sample of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]