The Urban Soundscape Identity: Defining a City's Unique Acoustic Character

Mohamed, Sara AlaaElDin; Ahmed, Amin; Abdullah, Mohamed Anwar

doi:10.21608/erurj.2025.316320.1180

The Urban Soundscape Identity: Defining a City's Unique Acoustic Character

Document Type : Mini-review

Authors

¹ Assistant Lecturer, Architectural Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering,Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt.

² Professor of Architecture and Landscape in the Architecture Department, Faculty of Engineering, Cairo University

10.21608/erurj.2025.316320.1180

Abstract

Cities are often described through their skylines, architecture, cultural landmarks, and bustling streets. However, an equally significant yet less visible aspect of urban life is its soundscape. The unique combination of sounds in an urban environment plays a crucial role in defining a city's acoustic identity, known as urban soundscape. These auditory elements create a backdrop that influences the daily experiences of its inhabitants and contributes to the city's overall character. Understanding and managing urban soundscapes can enhance the quality of life for residents, strengthen cultural connections, and preserve the unique auditory character that defines each city. As urbanization continues to increase, it is essential to integrate soundscape considerations into city planning and development, which becomes ever more crucial, ensuring that cities' sounds continue to enrich citizens' urban experiences. Therefore, this research paper will explore and understand cities' unique sonic identity, focusing mainly on Istanbul’s two main tourist attractions sites the sounds of the Bosporus and the open public space between the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.

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