The soundscape standard—Its development and challenges

Soundscape entered the debate of noise annoyance issues in the nineties, most likely at the same time as when the EU Directive 2002/49/EC [PJ1] on Noise was under development. In 2014, the ISO standard ISO 12913-1: “Acoustics-Soundscape-Part 1: Definition and conceptual framework” was published, delivering the first framework for soundscape. This was followed in 2018 by “ISO/TS 12913-2 Acoustics—Soundscape—Part 2: Data collection and reporting requirements”, which provided evaluation processes and information for integrating stakeholder participation. The third part of the standard is now underway: ISO/ TS 12913-3 “Acoustics- Soundscape—Part 3: Data analysis.” Together, the international standard ISO 12913 provides guidance for accessing the key components in soundscape: people, acoustic environment, and context. The available standards in soundscape, psychoacoustics and noise management have provided a large step towards enhancing the quality of life for people. the urgent need for recognition but also for application with regard to new understandings of urbanism will be discussed.Soundscape entered the debate of noise annoyance issues in the nineties, most likely at the same time as when the EU Directive 2002/49/EC [PJ1] on Noise was under development. In 2014, the ISO standard ISO 12913-1: “Acoustics-Soundscape-Part 1: Definition and conceptual framework” was published, delivering the first framework for soundscape. This was followed in 2018 by “ISO/TS 12913-2 Acoustics—Soundscape—Part 2: Data collection and reporting requirements”, which provided evaluation processes and information for integrating stakeholder participation. The third part of the standard is now underway: ISO/ TS 12913-3 “Acoustics- Soundscape—Part 3: Data analysis.” Together, the international standard ISO 12913 provides guidance for accessing the key components in soundscape: people, acoustic environment, and context. The available standards in soundscape, psychoacoustics and noise management have provided a large step towards enhancing the quality of life for people. the urgent need for recognition but also f...