Social Science: Human Geography, Environment and Urban Planning
Although noise pollution from transportation is the second largest environmental cause of health problems in Western Europe it remains poorly mitigated against in residential developments. Furthermore, a positive soundscape (perceived acoustic environment) approach to urban design is rarely considered. In contrast, sustainable drainage systems (SUDS) are required within all new residential developments in Scotland, but their potential for affecting soundscapes has not been fully explored or detailed. Yet, depending on the SUDS design, the type of planting, paving, water flow movements, and attractiveness to wildlife will all influence the acoustic environment, including in positive sound-enhancing ways. Through integrating the two planning issues of sound and water management, (involving engineering, environment, human geography, and psychological perspectives), healthier, cognitively restorative, residential environments could be created. Therefore, this PhD explores how SUDS can be utilised or improved to reduce noise pollution and how salutogenic (health promoting) soundscapes can be created by SUDS. In particular, the project will examine the specific SUDS design features that produce salutogenic soundscapes, exploring questions such as: which SUDS planting mechanisms attract the most desirable audible wildlife sounds? Which SUDS designs create a water feature that produces a relaxing sound? Initially, interviews will be conducted with stakeholders on current practice and feasibility of various SUDS soundscapes in real-world settings. Subsequent sourcing and recording of binaural acoustic stimuli from SUDS in-situ will occur and where necessary, miniature versions of soundscape SUDS designed and created for diverse acoustic stimuli. Utilising the acoustic stimuli and design visualisation software, the PhD student will create and present simulated virtual residential environments with SUDS to participants in laboratories and online for cognitive, affective, and physiological evaluations. Opportunities to design and assess a real-world SUDS soundscape intervention in a residential development will be explored, alongside stakeholder focus groups to discuss and disseminate project findings.
Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A first or upper second class level UK honours degree, in a related discipline (e.g. applied acoustics, human geography, psychology, urban planning). International equivalents, or a postgraduate degree with relevant experience will also be considered.
- Research experience and interest in one or more of the following topics from a social science perspective; people-environment relationships, sensorial experiences, blue-green urban environments, residential planning systems, environmental health.
- A demonstrable interest in interdisciplinary research and developing interdisciplinary skills.
For applicants who do not hold a Masters award by the start date of the PhD programme, that meets the ESRC requirements of 60 credits in research design, quantitative and qualitative methodology, a 1+3 programme will be required. In these instances, the successful student will be required to successfully complete the MRes Urban Research at the University of Glasgow before enrolling on the PhD programme at Heriot-Watt University. This additional year and tuition fees will be funded as part of the scholarship.
In addition to the above essential criteria, the following criteria would be desirable:
- A demonstrable interest in one or more of the specific topics this PhD covers, such as people’s experience of places; soundscapes and applied acoustics; SUDS, water management and environmental engineering; landscape architecture.
- A desire to conduct research involving a mixture of quantitative and qualitative approaches, with field work and online activities.
- Ability to utilise, or interest in, computer software for creating virtual simulations.
- A desire to produce research that has the potential to beneficially impact urban communities.
Please note that all applicants must also meet ESRC eligibility criteria. ESRC eligibility information can be found here.
For full details and to apply for this studentship, please visit the Scottish Graduate School of Social Science (SGSSS) website here.
Applications will be ranked by a selection panel and applicants will be notified if they have been shortlisted for interview by 9th April 2021. Interviews will take place on 16th April 2021.
All scholarship awards are subject to candidates successfully securing admission to a PhD programme within The Urban Institute, Heriot-Watt University. Successful scholarship applicants will be invited to apply for admission to the relevant PhD programme after they are selected for funding. Similarly, if the successful scholarship applicant requires the 1+3 programme, applications to the relevant Masters programme will be secured after they are selected for funding.