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A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Pollution Prevention, Mitigation and Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 11300

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Ercan Altinsoy

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Guest Editor

Chair of Acoustics and Haptics, Institute of Acoustics and Speech Communication, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
Interests: Noise, soundscapes, noise control, sound design
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Margret Sibylle Engel

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Guest Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

In recent years, urban environments have undergone spatial reformulation, with spaces made more suitable, comfortable, and green; sustainable energy solutions employed; and net zero strategies established to create sustainable environments. Soundscape interventions and noise abatement measures have been suggested to address issues in the sonic environment. However, there is little evidence of their impacts in social, cultural, decision-making/behavioural, environmental, health, well-being, and policy contexts.

This Special Issue of Sustainability encourages the submission of articles and reviews presenting disciplinary, multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary, and convergence research on “Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities”. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the following:

Environmental noise;
Noise abatement;
Emerging noise sources;
Strategic soundscape planning;
Soundscape interventions;
Sustainable soundscapes;
Soundscape design;
Restorative sonic environments;
Quiet areas;
Urban health.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ercan Altinsoy
Dr. Margret Sibylle Engel
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

environmental noise
noise abatement
emerging noise sources
strategic soundscape planning
soundscape interventions
sustainable soundscapes
soundscape design
restorative sonic environment
quiet areas
urban health

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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40 pages, 7486 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soundscape Standardization and Sustainability: An Evaluation of ISO 12913 in the Brazilian Context

by Ranny Loureiro Xavier Nascimento Michalski, Viviane Suzey Gomes de Melo and Margret Sibylle Engel

Sustainability 2026, 18(6), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18062752 - 11 Mar 2026

Viewed by 490

Abstract

The ISO 12913 series represents a paradigm shift in environmental acoustics by introducing a human-centered and perceptual framework for soundscape assessment. Although conceived as globally applicable, questions remain regarding its implementation in Global South contexts. This study evaluates how ISO 12913 is perceived, interpreted, and applied in Brazil, with the aim of identifying its strengths, limitations, and contextual adaptation needs in relation to soundscape standardization and sustainability. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining an online survey with Brazilian soundscape researchers and practitioners and a virtual focus group with domain experts. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis structured under a Societal Research Impact Assessment framework. The results indicate broad recognition of the conceptual relevance of ISO 12913, especially its interdisciplinary and human-centered approach. However, several challenges were identified, including linguistic and semantic inconsistencies in perceptual attributes, limited guidance for indoor soundscape assessment, conceptual ambiguities, and socioeconomic constraints affecting implementation. Participants highlighted the need for cultural, linguistic, and methodological adaptations to enable meaningful application within heterogeneous and resource-constrained contexts. By foregrounding the Brazilian experience, the study contributes to global debates on soundscape standardization, by demonstrating how international frameworks such as ISO 12913 can be refined through meaningful engagement with Global South contexts. The study supports the development of complementary national guidelines aimed at enhancing contextual adequacy, operational feasibility, and long-term societal impact, thereby fostering more inclusive and socially sustainable soundscape assessment practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities)

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18 pages, 6062 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sense of Place (SoP) and Soundscapes in an Urban Park in Shiraz: Could the S in SoP Stand for Sound Too?

by Negar Imani, Sahand Lotfi and Catherine Guastavino

Sustainability 2026, 18(5), 2353; https://doi.org/10.3390/su18052353 - 28 Feb 2026

Viewed by 265

Abstract

The characteristics of green spaces might play a role in shaping the Sense of Place. However, few studies have investigated the relations between the design characteristics of green space and the SoP, and even fewer have accounted for the multi-sensory characteristics of green spaces. This study investigates the Sense of Place in an urban green space in Shiraz, in relation to its soundscapes both on site (n = 6) and in the lab (n = 17). Despite the limited equipment and sample size, the results from both methods of on-site and laboratory conditions converge towards the same conclusions: the SoP was perceived as being lower in parts of the parks located at the boundaries, particularly when unpleasant sounds from the surroundings (e.g., construction) could be heard. Moreover, we did not observe strong associations between sound and visual pleasantness. Finally, we found that the SoP was influenced both by memory representations and the immediate sensory experience. This exploratory study calls for further research on the contribution of the sensory experience, particularly sound-related factors to Sense of Place. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities)

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23 pages, 1660 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soundtalking: Extending Soundscape Practice Through Long-Term Participant-Led Sound Activities in the Dee Estuary

by Neil Spencer Bruce

Sustainability 2025, 17(17), 7904; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17177904 - 2 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1486

Abstract

This study explores the practice of “soundtalking”, a novel method of participant-led sound practice, across the Dee Estuary in the UK. Over the course of twelve months, the Our Dee Estuary Project facilitated monthly meetings where participants engaged in sound workshops, in-depth discussions, and sound-making activities, with the aim of fostering a deeper connection with both their local and sonic environments. This longitudinal practice-based research study created an environment of sonic learning and listening development, documenting how participants’ interactions and narratives both shape and are shaped by the estuarial environment, its soundscape, and their sense of place. Participant-led conversations formed the basis of the methodology, providing rich qualitative data on how individuals perceive, interpret, and interact with their surroundings and the impact that the soundscape has on the individual. The regular and unstructured discussions revealed the intrinsic value of soundscapes in participants’ lives, emphasising themes of memory, reflection, place attachment, environmental awareness, and well-being. The collaborative nature of the project allowed for the co-creation of a film and a radio soundscape, both of which serve as significant outputs, encapsulating the auditory and emotional essence of the estuary. The study’s initial findings indicate that “soundtalking” as a practice not only enhances participants’ auditory perception but also fosters a sense of community and belonging. The regularity of monthly meetings facilitated the development of a shared acoustic vocabulary and experience among participants, which in turn enriched their collective and individual experiences of the estuary. Soundtalking is proposed as an additional tool in the study of soundscapes to complement and extend more commonly implemented methods, such as soundwalking and soundsitting. Soundtalking demonstrates the efficacy of longitudinal, participant-led approaches in capturing the dynamic and lived experiences of soundscapes and their associated environments, over methods that only create fleeting short-term engagements with the soundscape. In conclusion, the Our Dee Estuary Project demonstrates the transformative potential of soundtalking in deepening our understanding of human–environment interactions and, in addition, has shown that there are both health and well-being aspects that arise from the practice. Beyond this, the project has output a film and a radio sound piece, which not only document but also celebrate the intricate and evolving relationship between the participants and the estuarine soundscape, offering valuable insights for future soundscape research and community engagement initiatives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities)

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35 pages, 24993 KB

Open AccessArticle

Sensory Heritage Is Vital for Sustainable Cities: A Case Study of Soundscape and Smellscape at Wong Tai Sin

by PerMagnus Lindborg, Lok Him Lam, Yui Chung Kam and Ran Yue

Sustainability 2025, 17(16), 7564; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17167564 - 21 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2970

Abstract

Sensory heritage encompasses culturally valued practices, rituals, and everyday activities experienced through the senses. While sight often dominates, hearing and smelling are generally more immersive and pervasive. Soundscape research is a well-established field within urban studies; however, smellscape remains insufficiently recognised. This study is part of Multimodal Hong Kong, a project aimed at documenting sensory cultural heritage across the city by capturing the complex interplay between soundscape, smellscape, urban experiences, everyday activities, and memory. We investigated the multisensory environment at Wong Tai Sin Temple through acoustic measurements and perceptual ratings of soundscape and smellscape across 197 locations within and around the site. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with visitors (N = 54, 15,015 words of transcript), which were analysed using content analysis and natural language processing. The results indicate that elevated noise levels mainly arise from human voices and pipe music within the temple compound, as well as traffic noise in the surrounding area. The smell of incense dominates near the temple altars, whereas natural, grassy odours prevail in the adjacent park. Interview responses confirm that incense burning constitutes a traditional religious practice forming a distinctive olfactory marker for Chinese temples, but it is also perceived as having adverse health implications. This study contributes to the growing body of sensory heritage research, underscoring the importance of both soundscape and smellscape in fostering culturally inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable urban environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities)

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Review

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18 pages, 1179 KB

Open AccessReview

Soundscape Research in Streets: A Scoping Review

by Zeynep Sena Ozturk, Jian Kang and Francesco Aletta

Sustainability 2025, 17(8), 3329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17083329 - 9 Apr 2025

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4234

Abstract

Streets play a crucial role in shaping urban soundscapes, influencing individual wellbeing and urban sustainability. Although urban soundscapes have been widely studied, research focusing on street soundscapes remains limited. This scoping review aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the main themes and methodologies used in recent street soundscape literature. Scopus and ScienceDirect databases were searched for journal articles and conference papers with the keywords “street and sound”. The review included articles published in English between 2000 and 2025. The selected studies focused on soundscapes in outdoor environments while offering insights into streetscape features. Articles that did not focus on perception of the street environment or report a sample size were excluded, resulting in 16 studies in the final review. Soundscapes were mostly examined in terms of noise annoyance (n = 6) and sound perception (n = 14), distinguishing between pleasant and unpleasant sounds. Natural elements are frequently identified as essential streetscape (n = 8) and soundscape components of streets (n = 3). These features are associated with positive perceptions, whereas traffic features are perceived negatively. The predominant methodological approach was laboratory studies (n = 10), with participant groups typically consisting of healthy adults. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 1200. Overall, the literature points to a significant gap in research on the effect of street soundscapes on wellbeing, revealing that numerous streetscape characteristics remain unexplored and the link between soundscapes and street features has not been thoroughly examined. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Urban Noise Control, Public Health and Sustainable Cities)

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