A Soundscape Community Engagement Conceptual Model for Managing Urban Development

As soundscape is a multi-disciplinary approach, it is essential that well evidenced case studies are developed in order to effectively map the causal links, gateways, and relationships necessary for the effective planning and execution of future work for the benefit of all. Filling the gap between the technical and pragmatic approaches to design for soundscape management will enable practitioners to provide practical guidance, and recommended collaboration models with citizens as co-specifiers of projects, in line with the international soundscape standard. This will enable better identification of the issues that need to be considered when planning, specifying and designing new projects, deciding which experts should be involved, and which tools and methodologies to employ to enable holistic, environmentally and socially sustainable outcomes. This paper will explore a soundscape-based community engagement conceptual model, and the role of the 'soundscape engagement leader', developed through a series of applied projects in three cities in the UK: London, Sheffield, and Brighton and Hove.