ISO/DTS 12913-4

ISO/TC 43/SC 1
Secretariat: DIN
Date: 2026-07-15xx
Acoustics — Soundscape — —
Part 4:
Design and Interventionintervention
Acoustique — Paysage sonore — —
Partie 4: Conception et intervention

© ISO 2026
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ii
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 General . 3
5 Communication framework . 3
6 Soundscape design brief . 5
7 Documentation and evaluation . 5
Annex A (informative) Types of interventions . 7
Annex B (informative) Soundscape design brief examples . 10
Bibliography . 16

iii
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 43, Acoustics, Subcommittee SC 1, Noise.
A list of all parts in the ISO 12913-4 series can be found on the ISO website.
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iv
Introduction
The ISO 12913 series on soundscape was developed in order to enable a broad international consensus and
to provide a foundation for communication across disciplines and professions with an interest in soundscape.
ISO 12913--1 provides the definition of and a conceptual framework for the term ‘soundscape’. ISO/TS 12913-
2 provides information about data collection and reporting requirements regarding soundscape studies,
investigations and applications. ISO/TS 12913--3 provides guidance on how to analyse and report data
collected within soundscape investigations.
This document provides guidance on how soundscape data collected and analysed according to the
ISO 12913--1, ISO/TS 12913--2 and ISO/TS 12913--3 shall be interpreted and assessed, leading to the
determination of (site-specific) designs and interventions to preserve and/or improve the soundscape under
scrutiny. Although soundscape relates to the perception of a specific location (see ISO/TS 12913--2),
strategies including design principles can be applied in a wide range of situations.
This document is meant primarily for soundscape professionals, acoustic consultants, designers, local
planning authorities and clients who are and/or may be likely to commission applied research and/or real-
world soundscape investigations.
This document can be used by soundscape stakeholders as well as researchers in the context of soundscape
projects to provide guidance on how soundscape interventions can be determined according to a defined and
transparent process.
NOTE This document is primarily intended for existing acoustic environments and soundscapes
respectively. When developing new sites as part of urban development projects, it may not be practicable to
assess the existing soundscape to determine necessary changes. However, if the expected soundscapes are
simulated and assessed in virtual reality, or simulated in any way via soundscape prediction models, parts of
the processes described in this document may be applicable.
v
Acoustics — Soundscape — Part 4: Design and Intervention —
Part 4:
Design and intervention
1 Scope
This document provides guidance on how to make use of the results obtained from the soundscape data
collected and analysed by means of ISO/TS 12913-2 and ISO/TS 12913-3 to determine the need for
interventions to preserve and/or improve a soundscape, or both, and how to implement a soundscape design
as an intervention. The document defines a soundscape design process with conceptual tools to involve
different soundscape stakeholders, and it builds upon the data collection requirements specified in ISO/TS
12913-2 and the analytical framework defined in ISO/TS 12913-3. The procedures for design and
management described here assume that perceptual, acoustic, and contextual data have been collected and
analysed according to those parts. This ensures that interventions are informed by consistent, comparable,
and reproducible soundscape data.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12913--1, Acoustics — Soundscape — Part 1: Definition and conceptual framework
ISO/TS 12913--2, Acoustics — Soundscape — Part 2: Data collection and reporting requirements
ISO/TS 12913--3, Acoustics — Soundscape — Part 3: Data analysis
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 12913--1, ISO/TS 12913--2 and
ISO/TS 12913--3 and the following apply
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— — ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
— — IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1 3.1
soundscape investigation
any examination that assesses soundscapes by considering the key components (i.e. people, acoustic
environment and context) of a defined area
3.2 3.2
soundscape specialist
a professional in the field of soundscape, competent for the soundscape data collection and data analysis
process and soundscape design, including, ISO/TS 12913--2 and ISO/TS 12913--3, who is appointed to carry
out a soundscape investigation (3.1(3.1) and/) or a soundscape design (3.4(3.4)), or both
Note 1 to entry: A soundscape specialist shall hold an appropriate qualification in acoustics, engineering, social and
human science or a related field. In some countries, recognised national training or certification programmes relevant to
soundscape investigations may exist. Such programmes can support the development of the professional competencies
described in this document, provided they are consistent with ISO/TS 12913-2 and ISO/TS 12913-3.
3.3 3.3
soundscape intervention
any site-specific implementation, outcome, process, or installation of a soundscape design (3.4(3.4)) aimed at
preserving or improving a soundscape
3.4 3.4
soundscape design
refers to a plan or specification aimed at preserving or improving the soundscape
Note 1 to entry: When developing a new site as part of an urban development project, a plan may also aim to
intentionally create a specific soundscape to meet the needs and expectations of the different communities of space users,
without specifically aiming to preserve or improve the existing soundscape.
3.5 3.5
soundscape design brief
document based on a soundscape investigation (3.1(3.1)) and developed in consultation with the clients, local
experts (see ISO/TS 12913-2) and soundscape stakeholders that outlines the soundscape investigation
outcomes, design goals, and required deliverables
3.6 3.6
soundscape stakeholder
person and/or group, or both that are directly affected by or can directly affect the soundscape intervention
(3.3(3.3). )
Note 1 to entry: Stakeholders may include clients, local experts (see 3.5 in ISO/TS 12913-2:2018, 3.5), soundscape
specialist (3.2(3.2),), the local planning authority, planning and permitting teams, researchers, designers and installers.
3.7 3.7
soundscape strategy
description of the process and methodology used to achieve the objectives and outcomes of the soundscape
design (3.4)
3.8 3.8
communication framework
set of actions and feedback, as per Figure 1 in this document that takestake place among soundscape
stakeholders within the process of performing a soundscape investigation (3.1(3.1),), developing soundscape
designs (3.4(3.4),) and implementing soundscape interventions (3.3(3.3))
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 13.9.
3.9
co-creation
collaborative design process in which local experts and other soundscape stakeholders jointly generate, refine,
and build upon ideas together with the client(s) and soundscape specialist(s). )
Note 1 to entry: Through this shared creative effort, all involved contribute to and take collective ownership of the
emerging soundscape designs (3.4(3.4),) and proposed soundscape interventions (3.3(3.3)).
3.10 3.10
participatory design
design approach in which local experts and other soundscape stakeholders are actively involved in throughout
the process in exploring issues, envisioning alternatives, and guiding decisions to ensure the final soundscape
design (3.4(3.4)) reflects their lived experience, needs, and expectations
4 General
The aim of the ISO 12913 series on soundscape is to harmonize the collection and analysis of data by which
relevant information on the key components people, acoustic environment and context is obtained, measured,
and reported. Based on the outcomes of this process information is available about the current state of a
soundscape. This knowledge provides important clues to identify interventions to preserve and/or to improve
the considered soundscape. Any interpretation of soundscape investigation data and information derived
from it shall follow a systematic approach as described in the following sections. As soundscape may rely on
the uniqueness of a specific site, universal solutions and interpretations may not be possible to define.
However, it is important to use a rigorous approach to identify and conclude the interventions and actions to
preserve or improve a certain soundscape or design a soundscape for a new use in order to make the decision
[4] [5][4,5]
process transparent and comprehensible. Thus, this document is comparable to existing guidelines
[1]
applied in the context of quiet areas[, e.g. Reference ., 1],, environmental noise leading to annoyance[, e.g.,
[2] [3]
2] and/. Reference or public health[, e.g. Reference ., 3]., or both.
5 Communication framework
The communication framework shall be the basis for the entire soundscape investigation and soundscape
design process, defining how stakeholders communicate and collaborate, and emphasizing an approach that
[9] [10] [11] [9-11]
is both participatory and agile. . Figure 1. Figure 1 summarizes the main stages in the process of
designing and implementing soundscape interventions, these being Investigating, Analyzing, Generating,
Implementing, and Evaluation. Figure 1investigating, analysing, generating, implementing and evaluating.
Figure 1 illustrates an iterative process, this especially in the stage of generating design solutions in co-
creation between client(s), soundscape stakeholders, and soundscape specialist(s). The specific methods for
data collection and data analysis have to be agreed upon in advance in accordance with ISO/TS 12913-2 and
ISO/TS 12913-3. Regarding methods for participatory and co-creative activities the document refers to
[12][12]
inspiration within the tradition of participatory design .
NOTE The soundscape specialist can act as the soundscape designer in translating the soundscape design brief into
concrete soundscape interventions and implementations, drawing on the relevant combination of skills—, such as
acoustics, design, planning, artistic practice, or local expertise—, needed to realize the intended soundscape outcomes
according to the soundscape design brief. The soundscape specialist and the soundscape designer may be the same
person but doesn't have to be.
12913-4_ed1fig1.EPS
Figure 1 — Main stages of communication and collaboration in soundscape design and intervention
NOTE 1 Regarding the implementation of soundscape interventions, depending on the soundscape design brief this
stage can involve a variety of different professionals and practitioners. This may include acousticians, urban planners,
designers, artists, etc.
NOTE 2 The main stages of communication and collaboration illustrated in Figure 1Figure 1 generally also apply when
developing new sites as part of urban development projects. However, in such cases the stages
‘Investigating’investigating’ and ‘Analyzing’analysing’ cannot rely on existing soundscapes on the respective new site to
identify problems and potential. Alternatively, data collection and analysis can be conducted on the basis of the respective
planning statuses and the specific conditions of the surrounding environment, so that the emerging soundscape can be
approximately predicted.
Figure 1 — Main stages of communication and collaboration in soundscape design and intervention
6 Soundscape design brief
The soundscape design brief (SDB) is developed by the soundscape investigation expert(s) based on collected
data gained by collaboration and in consultation with the soundscape stakeholders.
The SDB includes a descriptive "ambition statement" for the acoustic environment and soundscape of the
place where the intervention is being carried out. This statement also refers to the general soundscape
strategy that will be implemented (see Annex BAnnex B for examples). Furthermore, the SDB outlines the
scope and the deliverables of the intervention, as well as the soundscape investigation specification (e.g.,.
requirements, key performance indicators, methods of assessment), in a way consistent with the provisions
of the ISO 12913 series.
NOTE Key performance indicators can be qualitative or quantitative in nature. The Soundscape Perception
Indicessoundscape perception indices (SPI) method shown as an option in Annex BAnnex B,, for example, offers a way of
[16][16]
quantitatively determining how well a location corresponds to a predefined target .
The SDB will discuss the proposed solutions and analysis and may include sketches and other multimedia
materials (e.g.,. audio recordings or auralisations) that can support the representation of the proposed
soundscape design and intervention concept.
The SDB may change over time and be adjusted as the project scope evolves, for instance, as a consequence of
subsequent and/or ongoing consultation with soundscape stakeholders, or both, and/or with updates
informed by additional in-depth data collection on site as per ISO/TS 12913-2, Method C. The SDB shall
consider relevant policy, contextual, budget, and time constraints for the soundscape investigation.
7 Documentation and evaluation
Any soundscape intervention shall be documented. This should include the site survey results before the
intervention(s) were implemented (see ISO/TS 12913-2), the design and intervention communication (see
Clause 5chapter 5),), the soundscape design brief (see Clause 6chapter 6),), and site survey results after the
implementation of the intervention(s) according to the simple or the reference method (see
Figure 2Figure 2).).
Any soundscape intervention(s) shall be evaluated according to Figure 2Figure 2.
12913-4_ed1fig2.EPS
a
The data collection and analysis may be complemented with other methods such as Quality of the Urban Public Experience model
17 [17]
(QUPE) ) .
Figure 2 — Flow chartFlowchart of the documentation and evaluation process for a soundscape
investigation leading to a soundscape intervention.
Annex A
(informative)
Types of interventions
A broad variety of interventions is available to design soundscapes with special focus on urban
[12] [12]
environments. . Two fundamental approaches guide the development of soundscape interventions:
[18] [20][18,20]
reducing unwanted sounds and introducing and/or reinforcing wanted sounds, or both .
[6] [8] [10] [11] [13] [14] [15] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25]
References 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24,
25 provide further information about interventions which could be meaningful in a) soundscape design
process according to Clause 5chapter 5 and Clause 6chapter 6. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list,
and further scientific literature may be used.
Interventions can be realized on a micro-scale, like introducing locally a new sound source ensuring diversity
in the specific acoustic environment, up to macro-scale intervention levels where for example a whole city
quarter is subject to an extensive redesign implementing multiple soundscape interventions. Interventions
serve different purposes such as masking an unwanted sound source, enriching the diversity of the acoustic
environment, protecting specifically place-defining sounds, avoiding or promoting the occurrence of certain
sound sources, or changing the context or the behaviour of people by for example promoting social
interactions.
Soundscape interventions can take place on different levels, such as on the source level (low noise pavement),
transmission path/infrastructure level (e.g. noise barrier, new road bypass, and closure of track/road), design
level (e.g. availability of a quiet façade side, appearance of the neighbourhood, availability of green and blue
infrastructure, sound installations), and on the receiver level (change in behaviour, educating and informing
[21] [21]
people). ). These intervention levels are grounded in the framework of the World Health Organization
guidelines for environmental noise and refer to the main stages sound generation, transmission, and
[26] [26]
reception. . Education can be part of soundscape interventions protecting specifically place-defining
sounds, changing attitudes and behaviour to preserve and improve the soundscape.
Figure A.1Figure A.1 illustrates possible soundscape interventions using the intervention level concept of
source, path, infrastructure, integral and design as well as receiver for the classification of interventions. Often
a combination of different types of interventions is used to achieve intended design goals and outcomes.
12913-4_ed1figA1.EPS
Figure A.1 — Soundscape interventions based on real-world examples related to intervention
[ 13[13]]
levels
[15] [15]
In Reference soundscape design strategies are related to (a)
a) introduction of wanted sounds (inducing activities, water features, vegetation, biotope, walking
(pavement),) and sound sculptures), (b)
b) reinforcement of wanted sounds (reflection), and (c)
c) reduction of unwanted sounds (barriers, absorption).
Sound installations as a specific kind of soundscape intervention in public spaces are related to sound art in
[18][18]
that sound is used as aesthetic material to shape the experience of public space users .
[13] [14][13,14]
In an attempt is made to develop a conceptual framework and taxonomy of soundscape
interventions based on a collection of real-world temporarily or permanently implemented soundscape
intervention examples. Thus, soundscape interventions are categorized into scales, the microscale, mesoscale,
and macroscale. The objectives can be divided into preservation, enhancement, mitigation, design integration,
[20] [20]
and education following the concept proposed in Reference . . As a classification scheme of the
intervention approaches four types are proposed: Architectural, mechanical, electroacoustic, and
[27] [27]
biological/natural. According to Reference , , architectural, mechanical and electroacoustic intervention
approaches are used equally often with a strong focus on the intervention types design and receiver, while
biological/natural approaches have been less part of soundscape interventions in the urban context so far.
The study of soundscape interventions based on the collection of real-world examples shows the
heterogeneity in the field and the broad opportunities of soundscape design and interventions.
As soundscape design and intervention practices will further increase in complexity and variety, it is expected
that current taxonomies and frameworks need to be revised and expanded in the future to cover all
[13] [13]
contemporary soundscape projects appropriately. . In addition, future research on the effects of noise
and findings from the field of public health are likely to further advance the process of soundscape design and
provide information on appropriate sound levels for noise masking, the benefits of “plus” design for health
and well-being, and so on.
Annex B
(informative)
Soundscape design brief examples
Annex BAnnex B presents a range of soundscape design brief examples to illustrate how ambitions for the
acoustic environment can guide the development of soundscape interventions. The examples include both
implemented briefs, based on actual projects, and conceptual briefs, which demonstrate how the soundscape
design process can be applied in contexts where implementation has not yet occurred. Soundscape design
briefs may indeed be important where the intervention is
...