Evaluation of the soundscape in the territory of sacred places; Case study: The peripheral territory of Hazrat Masoumeh’s holy shrine

The identity of the cities with pilgrimage potentials can be partly defined by its soundscape identity, religious soundmarks and its values. Urban designers and planners can play a positive role in the environmental richness of these territories by providing and managing proper soundscape in accordance with the contextual values. The aim of this article is to evaluate the soundscape of the peripheral territory of Hazrat Masoumeh’s holy shrine. In order to achieve the aim of this research, a descriptive-analytical research method with a qualitative - quantitative approach was applied. In this regard, qualitative evaluation of the soundscape of this territory using soundwalking technique as well as the quantitative evaluation with Equivalent Sound Level (Leq) by Sound Analyzer TES-1358 in two time periods of day and night were conducted. Based on the findings of this research, quantitatively, Day-Night average sound level is higher than the standards approved by the High Commission of Environment of Iran. In Pedestrianized areas such as Bahar pedestrian walkway, Eram pedestrian walkway and surrounding areas of the holy shrine in Astaneh Square and Imam Khomeini Square, the Day-Night average sound level is more proper compared to other areas. In the streets of Emam Musa Sadr, Taleghani and especially Motahhari Square, the Day-Night average sound level had the highest intensity. Also in the qualitative evaluation according to the religious role and spirit of this territory, there are many religious and cultural soundmarks that the holy shrine is the main one. However, the dominance of noise and anthrophonic sounds overshadows the identity of the religious and cultural soundmarks of this territory. Also, geophonic and biophonic sounds seems appropriate in this context, playing a small role as the pleasant sounds.