The advancements of the state of the art based on the of research results from the outgoing phase will have a profound impact on urban research and more broadly on residents and city users of problematic urban areas.
Results showed how urban policies – even when not specifically sound-oriented – have a significant impact on the perceived sonic experience of city users, thus deeply affecting urban life. The outcomes from the participatory workshops and sound intervention illustrated the key potential of enhancing “sonic cohabitation” among residents, stakeholders and city users of urban areas undergoing transformations by collaboratively analyze and shape the sonic environment. The advancement of the state of the art will outline a set of methodological innovations and policy recommendations. Inviting policy makers and urban professionals to employ qualitative, participatory and creative tools, the action will have an impact on urban design and policy making regarding the sensory environment.
Building on the results from the returning phase, the study acknowledged the lack of discussion on the detrimental effects of tourism and entertainment on the everyday atmosphere and sonic environment of highly visited historic centers. The study highlighted how such effects deeply affect the everyday life of younger generations, whose perspective is not sufficiently taken into account by the local policy agenda. This sheds light on how urban areas such as Venice historic center, while consolidating their strategies and programs in support of tourism and entertainment, provide residents and in particular younger generations with a less and less livable environment. In this regard, results from the outreach activities advanced the role of participatory approaches, particularly when focused on the experience of the sonic environment, as meaningful tools to address urban issues addressing neighborhoods impacted by tourism.
The body of results from the outgoing and returning phases have three potential impacts:
(i) Highlighting an innovative and promising avenue toward urban policy analysis and design, providing policy makers with useful sound-based tools to assess and revise those policies, strategie and programs addressing issues of urban attractiveness, inclusiveness and livability.
(ii) Illustrating the importance of a “well-sounding” public space for city users’ wellbeing, demonstrating the relevance of sound-based collaborative workshops and outreach activities in fostering participation among residents, urban practitioners and local stakeholders.
(iii) Corroborating the use of sound interventions in strengthening the pleasantness and inclusiveness of underused and problematic urban public spaces, allowing urban areas to be more inclusive, livable and attractive.
