PHONOTOPE AS AN ACOUSTIC INDICATOR OF THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

The relevance of the research topic is determined by the need to implement advanced urban planning solutions to create a comfortable and safe urban environment (UE). The aim of the work is to study the acoustic quality (AC) of the UE. Based on the analysis of various approaches to the study of the UE, a modern ecosystem trend has been identified: from noise reduction to the creation of a positive acoustic environment. For the first time, the use of the concept of "phonotope" for a comprehensive assessment of the UE AC has been proposed. Phonotope studies can be significantly beneficial in understanding and improving the UE of megacities. The methods and tools used in a comprehensive study of urban soundscapes are summarized. A new indicator, the urban acoustic index (UAI), has been introduced to assess the acoustic regime of urbanized areas. Based on this indicator, a classification of acoustic zones has been proposed. The phonotopes of a modern metropolis are scientifically substantiated and studied. The "industrial zone" phonotope has the minimum value (UAI = 0.57), which is associated with high noise pollution. The "public and business specialized zone" phonotope has the highest value (UAI = 0.65), which can be explained by low noise pollution. According to the proposed classification of acoustic zones, most phonotopes have a high acoustic quality of the urban environment. Key methods for creating positive soundscapes have been systematized, which forms the basis for developing specific proposals for the implementation of advanced urban planning solutions for creating a comfortable and safe urban environment.