Soundscape variation in a historical city centre due to new traffic regulation

A new traffic regulation in Naples' historic center, the largest restricted traffic area (ZTL) in Europe, significantly altered the city's soundscape. This study found that while the ZTL aimed to improve sustainable mobility and quality of life, it also impacted auditory perception—an aspect often overlooked in urban renewal processes focused on tangible heritage. Through soundwalks conducted before and after implementing the ZTL, researchers analyzed variations in acoustical and environmental parameters, revealing how traffic restrictions can shape the intangible cultural soundscape of a World Heritage Site. These findings underscore the need to integrate auditory preservation into Management Plans for historic city centers, ensuring that interventions maintain both visual and sonic authenticity.

Maffei, L., Di Gabriele, M., & Aletta, F. (2012). Soundscape variation in a historical city centre due to new traffic regulation. The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 131(4_Supplement), 3438. https://doi.org/10.1121/1.4708901