Ljudlandskap i kulturmiljöer

Abstract

This bachelor thesis aims to draw attention to sound in the heritage sector in Sweden. In particular, to the soundscapes that can be identified in our cultural heritage environments. Sounds in an environment, here called soundscapes, affect our perception of the environment and how we remember it. To find out how the heritage sector uses and would be able to use sounds, I have firstly studied if audio recording is comparable with the visual photographic image. I then present examples of sound documentation concerning the conservation of built environment. In addition, I have interviewed five key informants who all have a central responsibility for five cultural heritage environments. Cultural heritage environments are selected on the basis that they already are generally accepted as part of our cultural heritage. The five Swedish cultural heritage environments that have been selected are: Visby city inside the ring wall, the Old town in Stockholm, Kvarnbyn in Mölndal, Town hall extension in Gothenburg (interior) and the Clerk Association house in Gothenburg (interior). The conclusions I draw from my study is that there are no ongoing systematic documentation of sounds or soundscapes. Sound documentation could though be useful in the conservation of built environment concerning soundscapes. Soundscapes is primarily influenced by material properties. As long as new material is of the same type and have the same quality it will not affect the soundscape at an exchange of the original material. In cases where original material cannot be maintained nor be efficiently substituted, the choice of new material can be based on the soundscape impact. A so-called L-labelling could be of interest for cultural heritage environments whose soundscapes are influenced by external factors or where change is required by the environment. There are areas where the perception of the environment is particularly sensitive to sound and acoustics. The existing antiquarian evaluations of historically buildings and environments need therefore to be supplemented with a perception of soundscapes. Through documentation and specification, appropriate areas for L-labelling can be specified.