Researchers are beginning to understand the effect of sounds, smells, and tastes in the urban experience.
An article by Jennifer Hattam in Technology Review makes an argument for looking beyond the visual bias in urban planning, calling for a more comprehensive ‘sensory urbanism’ that acknowledges the role of sounds, smells, and tastes in urban life.
Hattam introduces the reader to David Howes, a researcher “investigating how nonvisual information defines the character of a city and affects its livability.” Howes uses a variety of methods to understand how the non-visual aspects of a city impact the experience people have. “His research has identified locations where vegetation could be planted to dampen traffic noise or where a wave organ could be constructed to amplify the soothing sounds of the sea, something he was surprised to realize people could hardly hear, even along the waterfront.”
According to the article, “this kind of individual feedback about the sensory environment is already being put to use in Berlin, where quiet areas identified by citizens using a free mobile app have been included in the city’s latest noise action plan. Under EU law, the city is now obligated to protect these spaces against an increase in noise.”
While experts warn that researchers collecting sensory data must be mindful of privacy concerns, putting a focus on the many layers of sensory experience in a city can help planners understand the full spectrum of urban experience.
FULL STORY: Why sounds and smells are as vital to cities as the sights
California Bill Proposes Automated Noise Pollution Enforcement
If signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, a new bill would use automated sensors and cameras to enforce decibel limits on cars and motorcycles.
Using Tech to Control Noise Pollution
Several cities are piloting programs that use machine learning to identify and understand urban noise patterns and enforce noise ordinances.
Opinion: Renters Shouldn't Be a 'Buffer' for Single-Family Homes
Despite the well-documented impacts of traffic noise and pollution, Vancouver's housing policy effectively relegates multi-family apartment buildings to busy arterial roads.
How Sharrows Became Cycling’s Most Hated Symbol
Originally designed as a low-cost way to encourage safer road sharing between bikes and cars, the sharrow has become a symbol of the lack of commitment to protected bike infrastructure in many cities.
Keanu Reeves Set to Play Daniel Burnham in ‘The Devil in the White City’
Planning is going to get a new level of star power as a limited series adaptation of The Devil in the White City gets ready for television screens in 2024.
Massive, Vacant L.A. Hospital To Become Affordable Housing
The historic building will be redeveloped with over 500 housing units and supportive services on site.
Fire Evacuation Planning at the Community Level
Wildfire planning often focuses on individual buildings, but little guidance exists for effective citywide evacuation planning.
Where Is Salt Lake City’s Tiny Home Village?
A proposed ‘tiny home village’ meant to serve as temporary housing for unhoused residents has yet to break ground more than a year after it was announced.
How Communities Can Leverage Federal Vision Zero Funding To Make Streets Safer
Two safe streets advocates give their recommendations for how to effectively use the $1 billion in annual funding available through a federal grant program.
McKenna
Economic & Planning Systems, Inc.
Kinexus Group
Cohousing Association of the US
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Rail~Volution
Sun City Center Community Association, Inc
City of Mesa
Town of Gilbert, Arizona
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Hand Drawing Master Plans
This course aims to provide an introduction into Urban Design Sketching focused on how to hand draw master plans using a mix of colored markers.
