Soundscape Architecture: conceptual proposals for improving the urban soundscape through building in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Architecture students from the University of Florida School of Architecture developing architectural and planning strategies in response to citizen generated initiative to improve the soundscape at multiple locations in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Site analysis including citizen participation in sound walks, personal observations, photo documentation, precedent studies, acoustic measurements, geographical measurements, and municipal code studies was conducted. This information informed conceptual and schematic design proposals for urban architecture (buildings), at critical locations in the urban fabric that seek to provide strategies toward improving the soundscape while supporting high residential density, mixed-use, entertainment, and transit. The work includes 11 student project proposals spanning two academic semesters. The work illustrates integrated design proposals addressing aspects of urban soundscapes such as: vertical distance as effective sound abatement strategy; buildings as acoustic buffers from transit or noisy streets; building envelope systems that both limit sound transmission and absorb sound; sound diffusing buildings; parking or limited occupancy program as buffer spaces; and land development code adoptions that can facilitate future implementation of effective soundscape improvement strategies. This paper will demonstrate the design process, issues of concern, prioritization of issues per specific sites, and show illustrations to visualize a range of soundscape strategies as architecture.