Therapeutic potentials of soundscape and natural landscape for health and urban sustainability

Saisei-no-Mori habitat at the Institute of Technology (Koto-ku, Tokyo). Ten-year biotope monitoring to verify the improvement in biodiversity, 2006-2016.

We highlight the beneficial interactions of “sensescapes”, the combination of soundscapes and natural landscapes, on psycho-physiological health. Our work shows the significance of interdisciplinary urban design and planning in harnessing these benefits – to enhance health and urban sustainability through the integration of nature’s influences on the body and mind.

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Target audience

Architects and landscape architects, healthcare practitioners, city planners, environmental practitioners, urban designers, and policymakers.

The problem

Previous research has primarily focused on the effects of either soundscape or visual-scape, with limited studies exploring their combined impact on health, leading to a restricted understanding of their potential benefits on psycho-physiological health. Rather than merely focusing on noise reduction and aesthetic improvements, we suggest a more holistic research approach that integrates soundscape and natural landscape elements to develop theories and models for the health implications of nature-based planning in urban environments.

What we did and why

We explored the influence of soundscapes and natural landscapes on psycho-physiological health, including their interactions. We are introducing “sensescape”, a term that refers to the combined perceptual impacts on an individual’s physical and mental health. Considering the rising prevalence of illnesses due to poor environmental conditions in urban living; we think it is important to gain a deeper understanding of how soundscape and natural landscapes can be used to promote health through more effective policymaking for healthier cities.

Our study’s contribution

We advocate better use of emerging technologies to advance urban planning strategies aimed at improving psycho-physiological health. We highlight:

  • the implications of soundscapes and natural landscapes in enhancing psycho-physiological health, while also discussing the negative aspects associated with these elements within urban settings.
  • the necessity for additional research to delve into the physiological impacts of pleasing “sensescapes” and the integration of nature-based elements into urban design.

Impacts for city policy and practice

Natural landscape and soundscape play a crucial role in the physical and mental health of urban dwellers. These have significant implications for community development, city health, and sustainability. As such, we propose that;

  • urban planning and management should prioritize the integration of natural soundscapes and landscapes to create a comprehensive sensory experience.
  • architects, planners, policymakers, and stakeholders in city development should prioritize nature-based elements to minimize negative stimuli and foster more harmonious urban environments.

Further information

Full research article:

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