Spotlight on Dr Francesco Aletta

Dr Francesco Aletta

Lecturer (Teaching) in Building Physics and Soundscape

Bartlett School Env, Energy & Resources, Faculty of the Built Environment

What is your role and what does it involve?

As a Lecturer (Teaching) in Building Physics and Soundscape at the Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, my role involves a combination of teaching, research, and leadership roles within the sustainable built environment domain. I deliver several undergraduate and postgraduate modules, oversee Year 1 of the BSc/MEng in Sustainable Built Environment, Energy and Resources (SBEER), and serve as Deputy Programme Lead for the MSc in Health, Well-being and Sustainable Buildings (HWSB). My work integrates building physics, environmental design, and the emerging field of soundscape, focusing on how acoustic environments impact human well-being. My research spans various interdisciplinary projects, including collaborations that bridge soundscapes with urban informatics and public health. This work is driven by my commitment to enhancing environmental quality and human health through innovative, sensory-based approaches to urban design.

How are you improving the health of the public?

A significant aspect of my work focuses on understanding how soundscapes—the auditory environments in which people live—affect public health and well-being. For instance, through the UCL Health of the Public grant scheme, I led the “Deep Learning Techniques for Noise Annoyance Detection (DeLTA)” project, which aimed to develop advanced tools for detecting and mitigating noise pollution’s impact on communities. This project not only contributes to academic knowledge but also aims to create practical solutions that can be used by policymakers and urban planners to improve living conditions in noisy urban areas. Moreover, my efforts in the “Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP)” are hopefully contributing to standardizing soundscape assessment across different languages and cultures. This work has the potential to influence global standards and practices in urban planning, making cities more liveable and healthier by integrating soundscape considerations into urban design.

What do you find most interesting or enjoyable about your work?

What I find most fascinating about my work is the intersection of the built environment, sound, and human health. Soundscapes are often overlooked in urban planning, yet they play a crucial role in shaping our daily experiences and well-being. The challenge of linking sensory environments with health outcomes is both complex and rewarding, as it involves not just technical knowledge but also a deep understanding of human behaviour and perception. I also enjoy the interdisciplinary nature of my work. Collaborating with experts from various fields—such as architecture, engineering, psychology, and public health—allows me to approach problems from multiple angles, leading to more comprehensive and impactful solutions.

How have cross-disciplinary collaborations shaped your research?

Cross-disciplinary collaborations have been fundamental to my research. My involvement with the organizing committee of the UK Public Health Science Conference has given me invaluable insights into how different fields converge to address complex public health issues. This experience highlighted the importance of integrating diverse perspectives, from environmental design to public health, to create more holistic and impactful solutions. Additionally, my commitment to deepening my understanding of public health through the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at UCL reflects my belief in the power of cross-disciplinary learning. By engaging with core public health concepts, I aim to bridge the gap between my built environment expertise and broader public health objectives. This ongoing education allows me to apply a more comprehensive, health-focused approach to my research, ensuring that the solutions we develop are not only technically sound but also aligned with public health goals. Each of these experiences has reinforced the value of stepping beyond disciplinary boundaries, allowing me to contribute more effectively to interdisciplinary teams and projects that address real-world challenges in urban environments and public health.

What advice would you offer to others interested in developing cross-disciplinary research?

For those interested in cross-disciplinary research, I would advise being open to learning from other disciplines and being willing to adapt your methods and perspectives. Successful collaborations require clear communication and a mutual understanding of the “language” and frameworks of each discipline involved. It’s important to be patient and flexible, as bridging different fields often involves reconciling differing terminologies, methodologies, and expectations. Being curious and proactive in seeking out collaborations can also lead to unexpected and fruitful research directions. Embrace the complexity and enjoy the process of creating something that none of the disciplines could achieve alone!

If you could make one change in the world today, what would it be?

If I could make one change, it would be to raise global awareness of the impact of environmental noise on public health and to implement more effective policies for noise reduction and “soundscape design”. Noise pollution is often underestimated in its ability to cause stress, disrupt sleep, and contribute to various health problems. By incorporating soundscape considerations into urban planning and public health policies, we can create environments that support healthier, more peaceful living conditions for all. This change would require a shift in both policy and public perception, recognizing sound as a critical component of environmental quality and well-being, on par with air and water quality, and other very urgent environmental issues, such as climate change.