Tranquil Spaces

Outdoor or 'natural' tranquillity is found in outdoor places that feel peaceful and quiet. It is one of a range of positive environmental soundscapes beneficial to human health and wellbeing. As our cities and countryside become more densely populated, identifying and protecting the tranquillity of our outdoor places has become increasingly important.

Tranquil Spaces Part 1 is a call to arms in defence of our outdoor tranquil spaces.

It explains the evolution of defining tranquillity outdoors, how humans perceive it and the positive impacts tranquil public places can have on people and communities.

Tranquil Spaces Part 2 explains the Natural Tranquillity Method -- a new assessment method which allows tranquillity outdoors to be accurately measured and assessed. This provides scientific evidence to support decision-making for planning, development and design.

The technique has a range of applications for outdoor spaces including Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, national parks and heritage properties, designated green spaces, public parks and mixed-use leisure destinations.

Practical case studies span a range of locations including Stansted Airport, Stonehenge, central London and the Norfolk Broads.

Tranquil Spaces is an essential guide to natural tranquillity for planners, developers, acousticians, environmental scientists and other professionals involved in planning or making decisions on developments likely to impact the tranquillity of public places outdoors.