Pockets of quiet characterization in the historical center of Florence (Italy)

Abstract Due to the difficulty of accessing quiet urban areas as defined by the EU Directive 2002/49/EC and of designing new ones, especially in the historical centers, it becomes more and more important to recognize pockets of quiet which can provide visitors with time for their physical and mental restoration. To this aim, an investigation methodology has been developed in previous studies conducted in Naples (Italy), Istanbul (Turkey) and Murcia (Spain) focused on finding and characterization of alternative quiet spaces which could offer opportunities to rest from the surrounding noise, which highlighted the role of non-auditory aspects on the restorativeness of urban spaces, such as green and water elements, or of historic and cultural value. This methodology which includes objective and subjective assessment has been used to characterize and illustrate the potentialities of the existing and potential spaces for restoration within the ancient center of the city of Florence (Italy). Concerning acoustic measurements, the “quietness” is confirmed by the fact that the differences between the sound levels (LAeq) of the surrounding areas and those within selected sites is greater than 9 dB; while the outcomes of the survey confirm the expectations especially concerning the importance and relevance, the cultural value, the historical-artistic elements, the perceived sense of being away and the distinction with the external acoustic environment.