Measured soundscapes in Piazzale San Francesco in Parma and Trafalgar Square in London

Inclusivity is a topic that different scientific fields are trying to add besides the scientific goals to be achieved. As such, the Agora project is focused on acoustic inclusivity by virtually connecting impaired individuals with an immersive soundscape experienced outdoors. Acoustic measurements have been carried out to understand the urban environment related to different squares, Piazzale San Francesco in Parma, Italy, and Trafalgar Square in London, UK. Audio immersivity is rendered by a multichannel microphone composed of a 19-channel probe (Zylia ZM-1), which allows for obtaining an output signal up to 3rd order ambisonics (O3A) resolution. This equipment is capable of detecting the dynamic sources typical of an urban environment. These two public spaces represent different characteristics: the first is in front of a music academy and is not trafficked generally, except for the timing corresponding to the entrance shifts; the second is one of the main squares in London where live concerts and events are generally organized. If one side of Piazzale San Francesco is crossed by road vehicles, in Trafalgar Square, the vehicles are on three sides (except for the side where the National Gallery is placed). However, both of them are in the core of the city. The environmental parameters are analyzed to scientifically assess the differences between the two squares.