Assessment of Urban Quiet Areas in the Context of Nature-Based Solutions: Istanbul Historical Peninsula Example

Abstract

It has been emphasised in previous studies that the definition of quiet areas, which are specified as areas to be identified and protected in the Environmental Noise Directive (END) in force for European Member States, cannot be reduced to ‘the area below certain limit values for certain noise indicator values’ and the positive effects of the presence of natural elements such as natural sounds, plants and aquatic environment on the perception of quiet areas. Therefore, this soundscape study examines not only the levels of sound, but also how sound sources, the acoustic environment, auditory perception, and personal interpretation interact in shaping our experience of a sound environment. This study investigates the potential of quiet areas to be included within the scope of nature-based solutions (NBS) through the example of Istanbul Historic Peninsula. In this study, data were collected from selected urban open and green spaces within the Istanbul Historic Peninsula through noise mapping, in situ sound recordings, and questionnaire-based surveys, all conducted in accordance with established soundscape standards. The collected data were analysed to explore the relationships between the sound environment and various physical environmental factors that influence the perception of quietness in urban settings. These relationships were further evaluated within the framework of nature-based solutions (NBS) strategies, with a particular focus on how such quiet areas can contribute to urban greening practices. Finally, the study discusses how insights gained from the soundscape analysis can inform space planning and design in urban contexts, emphasising the integration of acoustic quality in green infrastructure planning.