10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
[HTT17-11] Analysis Method for the Relationship Between a Preservation Area and Its Surroundings Using Light and Sound
1. Introduction
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a global impact, has come to an end, and daily life is gradually returning to normal. International travel has resumed, and many people are once again visiting World Heritage sites. However, the rapid increase in tourists has led to various issues. This study focuses on buffer zones as a means of protecting and preserving World Heritage sites.
2. Research Objective
This study aims to propose conservation measures for World Heritage sites by selecting buffer zones from a novel perspective—specifically, focusing on sound and light, which are related to the five senses.
3. Examination of Buffer Zones from the Perspective of Sound
A survey was conducted to determine noise levels (in decibels) at various locations when the bell tower of Myōhō-ji Temple in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, was struck. The study aimed to establish buffer zones based on the sound environment. Data collection was carried out using an iPhone for video recording and a sound level meter. The results indicated that in areas near busy roads, large vehicles and buses generated noise levels of approximately 75–80 dB, making it difficult to hear the sound of the bell even at close range. In contrast, in quiet residential areas, noise levels were around 38–40 dB, and the bell sound was audible even from a considerable distance. These findings suggest that vehicle exhaust noise is a major factor affecting the sound environment.
4. Examination of Buffer Zones from the Perspective of Light
A study was conducted to estimate the range of impact of nighttime lighting at Myōhō-ji, Shōrin-ji, and Shōgetsu-ji Temples and to establish appropriate buffer zones. The analysis was performed using AcroGIS for visibility and non-visibility assessments, while sky view factor (SVF) calculations were conducted to evaluate the light environment’s impact on vegetation. If excessive artificial lighting is identified as a problem in certain areas, adjusting the intensity and direction of illumination can help maintain an appropriate lighting environment. The maximum visibility distances were found to be 385 meters for Myōhō-ji, 289 meters for Shōrin-ji, and 283 meters for Shōgetsu-ji. Since Japan has many temples designated as cultural heritage sites, proper lighting design can minimize its impact not only on the surrounding environment but also on vegetation.
5. Conclusion
Regarding sound, the presence of environmental noise made it extremely difficult to conduct accurate analyses. As for light, future studies should further investigate vegetation surveys in conjunction with sky view factor calculations.
In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a global impact, has come to an end, and daily life is gradually returning to normal. International travel has resumed, and many people are once again visiting World Heritage sites. However, the rapid increase in tourists has led to various issues. This study focuses on buffer zones as a means of protecting and preserving World Heritage sites.
2. Research Objective
This study aims to propose conservation measures for World Heritage sites by selecting buffer zones from a novel perspective—specifically, focusing on sound and light, which are related to the five senses.
3. Examination of Buffer Zones from the Perspective of Sound
A survey was conducted to determine noise levels (in decibels) at various locations when the bell tower of Myōhō-ji Temple in Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture, was struck. The study aimed to establish buffer zones based on the sound environment. Data collection was carried out using an iPhone for video recording and a sound level meter. The results indicated that in areas near busy roads, large vehicles and buses generated noise levels of approximately 75–80 dB, making it difficult to hear the sound of the bell even at close range. In contrast, in quiet residential areas, noise levels were around 38–40 dB, and the bell sound was audible even from a considerable distance. These findings suggest that vehicle exhaust noise is a major factor affecting the sound environment.
4. Examination of Buffer Zones from the Perspective of Light
A study was conducted to estimate the range of impact of nighttime lighting at Myōhō-ji, Shōrin-ji, and Shōgetsu-ji Temples and to establish appropriate buffer zones. The analysis was performed using AcroGIS for visibility and non-visibility assessments, while sky view factor (SVF) calculations were conducted to evaluate the light environment’s impact on vegetation. If excessive artificial lighting is identified as a problem in certain areas, adjusting the intensity and direction of illumination can help maintain an appropriate lighting environment. The maximum visibility distances were found to be 385 meters for Myōhō-ji, 289 meters for Shōrin-ji, and 283 meters for Shōgetsu-ji. Since Japan has many temples designated as cultural heritage sites, proper lighting design can minimize its impact not only on the surrounding environment but also on vegetation.
5. Conclusion
Regarding sound, the presence of environmental noise made it extremely difficult to conduct accurate analyses. As for light, future studies should further investigate vegetation surveys in conjunction with sky view factor calculations.