Sounds in space or space in sounds? Architecture as an auditory construct

Type

Journal

Authors

Fowler ( Michael Fowler )

Tags

Soundscape Studies, Architectural Theory, Acoustic Ecology, Aural Architecture

Abstract

In this paper I introduce two recent and ostensibly competing acoustic theories, Barry Blesser and Ruth-Linda Salter's 'aural architecture' and Barry Truax and R. Murray Schafer's notion of ‘soundscape’. I examine the structural differences between the theories and track their potential impact on architectural design. I also reflect on the difficulties in utilising auditory experience as a design parameter in the urban arena due to the current bifurcation between architectural design and applied acoustics, and further offer some thoughts on the manner in which critical listening will need to play an important role in any new approaches to integrating auditory design into architectural praxis.

Description

https://doi.org/10.1017/S1359135515000226

Number of Copies