Soundscape Design

Course

Acoustic quality directly influences well-being, concentration, and the identity of places. Yet in the design process, acoustics is often addressed late, as a technical check or problem to correct. The Course in Soundscape Design reverses that approach, integrating the sonic dimension from the earliest project phases. Here are the program goals:

• Recall core principles of acoustics applied to design: sound propagation, reflection, absorption, and acoustic behavior of materials
• Understand how acoustic quality influences perception, comfort, attention, communication, and the overall experience of space
• Apply listening, analysis, and simulation practices to interpret the acoustic behavior of environments and surfaces
• Analyze the relationship between sound, form, geometry, and built space, developing the ability to read environments acoustically
• Develop original design proposals where the sonic dimension is fully integrated from the beginning of the design process.

Thanks to theoretical lessons and a workshop, participants dive into the fundamentals of architectural acoustics, the role of materials and geometries in sound propagation, psychology of perception, and neuroscience. By the end of the Course, they are able to design environments — physical and digital — where acoustic quality is a project value, not an afterthought. Here are some of the topics the Course focuses on:

• Acoustic Fundamentals: Sound propagation, reflection, absorption, diffusion, reverberation, and how materials/surfaces shape the sonic identity of spaces.
• Acoustic Design Models: Musical instruments and architectural forms as interpretive frameworks for spatial and constructive acoustic design.
• Perception and Experience: The psychological and emotional impact of sound on behavior, well-being, and social interaction, with insights from neuroscience.
• Soundscape and Digital Technologies: Acoustic ecology and soundscape design for public/urban spaces, alongside digital simulation tools for virtual and metaverse sound environments.
• Applied Workshop: Hands-on, in-person project integrating all frameworks into a complete acoustic design.

Download the Course fact sheet for accurate information on the training program.

Didactics

Attendance

At least 80% attendance is mandatory.

Didactic Modules

The Course lasts 48 hours, including 6 online modules (36 hours) and a final in-person workshop (12 hours at Bovisa Durando Campus, Milan). Classes are scheduled on days and at times that allow working professionals to attend.

Module 1 | 6h (online)

Fundamentals of Acoustics

Sound propagation, reflection, absorption, diffusion, reverberation time, speech intelligibility, acoustic comfort. Case study analysis.

Module 2 | 6h (online)

Material Surface Sonic Mass

Acoustic role of materials and surfaces: mass, absorption coefficients, surface texture, and how material choices shape sonic identity of spaces.

Module 3 | 6h (online)

Musical Instruments Architecture

Musical instruments as constructive models: soundboard, resonance chambers, form-timbre relations as interpretive keys for architectural acoustic design.

Module 4 | 6h (online)

Psychology of Sound Perception

Sound, perception, and emotional experience: how acoustic environments affect behavior, well-being, and social interaction. Neuroscience contributions.

Module 5 | 6h (online)

Soundscape and Public Space

Soundscape design for public and urban spaces: acoustic ecology, noise mapping, sonic environments for outdoor contexts.

Module 6 | 6h (online)

Technology, Simulation and the Metaverse

Digital tools for acoustic simulation and sound design in virtual and metaverse environments: from auralization software to spatial audio in XR.

Module 7 | 12h (in-person)

Workshop — Designing Listening

All frameworks applied to an integrated acoustic design project.

Title Released

Upon completion of the program, participants will receive an Open Badge certifying the skills acquired. It is a recognized credential that adds tangible value to your professional profile and career path.

The Open Badge is awarded upon achieving the following requirements:

• Test: passing the assessment session
• Attendance: at least 80% attendance at the scheduled activities

The Open Badge is issued by: POLI.design, Center for Post-graduate Design Education, founded by Politecnico di Milano.

Admission

Requirements

A university-level education or professional experience in a design-related field is required. No advanced technical knowledge of acoustics is necessary.

This course is designed for:

• Architects and interior designers
• Product designers
• Civil and environmental engineers
• Sound designers
• Professionals in the contract, hospitality, and retail sectors

Applicants must submit the following documents by connecting to the LINK:

• Course application form
• Copy of Tax Code (Codice Fiscale) and ID document
• CV / Resume

Deadlines

Application deadline: 20/03/2027

Price

The total cost of the Course is 2.400,00 € (including VAT) for each student. This sum will be paid with a single payment upon signing the contract.

PROMO

LEARNING COLLECTION CATALOGUE LAUNCH: -40%

A promotion for anyone who enrolls in the courses of the Learning Collection catalogue by September 30, 2026.

Faculty

Lorenzo Palmeri – Scientific Director