Publication Date
5-2010
Committee Members
Michael Davidsohn, Chair - Mark Hamin, Member
Abstract
The soundscape of a place is simply its acoustic environment, with the listener situated within the center of the sonic landscape (Porteous and Mastin, 1985). Soundscapes can be adjusted with proper planning, site analysis and design. Often overlooked by design and planning professionals, sounds are a part of the biological, social and spiritual context which needs to be considered if good outdoor environments are to be provided (Hedfors, 2003). With its close proximity to the Whiting Street Reservoir and Holyoke Range, Mountain Park provides a terrific opportunity for an outdoor amphitheater, a cultural resource deeply needed in Western Massachusetts. Significant landform and vegetation on site will greatly contribute to the acoustic opportunities and challenges of the site, while Interstate 91 provides an opportunity to mitigate the challenge of nearby noise pollution.