Westminster Open Spaces Noise Study 2008 Final Report

Westminster Open Spaces NoiseStudy 2008: Final Report4. Using the Toolkit – Assessment of Sites4.1.1 This Toolkit has been developed keeping in mind that WCC should ideally be able to carryout assessments of future sites without the need for specialist researchers. The method ofusing the Toolkit should also be as standardised and objective as possible, but with enoughspace to record subjective observations. As explained above, this study has developed aworking classification of public spaces in Westminster into four typologies. Each typologyhas its own set of weightings set in a tranquillity capture form (see Appendix F). However,it is important to note that the ultimate score or ‘Tranquillity Value’ of each site canbe compared to any other site under study, regardless of typology.4.2 Tranquillity Capture Form4.2.1 The Tranquillity Capture Form is essentially a proforma to be used for each typology andcan be found in Appendix F. The sequence to be followed for assessment is as below:4.2.2 Sites within a typology should be assessed using the Toolkit specific to that type. SeeTable 3 for a breakdown of sites by typology.4.2.3 In order to assess a given open space based on the field worker’s observations:a. At initial site visit select the typology it belongs to (see ‘note on typologies’,Section 2.8 above).b. Complete Tranquillity Capture Form on site.c. Back at the office, input results into the tranquillity calculator where ‘yes’(presence of a factor) equals 1 and ‘no’ (absence of a factor) equals 0.d. Once all experiential factors are scored, the following scores are generated bythe spreadsheet:• Net tranquillity score for a site• Total positive scores• Total negative scores• Sub total sum of scores for man-made soundsSee interpreting scores below for more discussion of positive and negativescorese. All the above data and formulae mentioned above, with instructions for dataentry, are contained in an MS Excel spreadsheet, titled ‘Tranquillity Calculator’,provided to WCC electronically. This can also be used to develop furthertypologies if required.D121316/R1/0214Scott Wilson LtdMarch 2009