Urban Planning Integrating the Soundscape Approach

Urban planning is a technical and political process that seeks to develop both a physical area as well as its design and communication structures. As such, it requires a truly interdisciplinary process. The new ISO/DTS 12913-2 Acoustics - Soundscape - Part 2: Data collection and reporting requirements provides evaluation processes and information about participation of stakeholders, based on years of discussion focused on integrating the people concerned into urban planning processes. The final Technical Specification on Soundscape now provides a guideline as to how to proceed. This paper will discuss the participation processes that follow the new Technical Specification and that contributed to its development and standardization. In addition, discussion will focus on the need for holistic, interdisciplinary approaches and platforms within the planning of urban areas, allowing the direct contributions of scientists and practitioners along with the people directly concerned.