Soundscapes and Acoustic Ecology in Urban Planning and Public Art

Kato Bukenya T.

Faculty of Business and Management Kampala International University Uganda

                                                                          ABSTRACT
Soundscapes and acoustic ecology have emerged as critical dimensions in contemporary urban planning and public art, reframing sound from a by-product of urbanisation into a valuable resource that shapes spatial experience, identity, and wellbeing. This study examines the theoretical foundations of acoustic ecology, emphasizing the transition from noise control toward a holistic understanding of soundscapes as socio-cultural, ecological, and aesthetic systems. It synthesizes methodologies for assessing urban sound environments, including quantitative acoustic measurements and qualitative participatory approaches, highlighting their relevance in evidence-based planning. The paper further explores the role of sound design in public art and sonic placemaking, demonstrating how interdisciplinary collaborations can enrich urban environments, foster social cohesion, and enhance sensory engagement. Through selected case studies, the analysis reveals how sound-integrated interventions improve urban identity, encourage community participation, and address issues of alienation and placelessness. Policy and governance frameworks are also examined, with attention to participatory models, technological tools, and evolving regulatory standards that support inclusive soundscape management. The study identifies key challenges, including balancing noise reduction with experiential richness, managing stakeholder conflicts, and ensuring longterm sustainability of sound-based interventions. Ultimately, it argues for the integration of acoustic considerations into urban planning processes as a means to promote healthier, more inclusive, and culturally resonant cities, while outlining future directions for interdisciplinary research and practice.

Keywords: Acoustic Ecology , Urban Soundscapes , Sonic Placemaking, Public Art and Sound Design and Urban Planning and Wellbeing.

CITE AS: Kato Bukenya T. (2026). Soundscapes and Acoustic Ecology in Urban Planning and Public Art. IDOSR JOURNAL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES 11(1): 77-81.
https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJHSS/2026/1117781