How does activity affect soundscape assessments? Insights from an urban soundscape intervention with music

Abstract

The relationship between activity and soundscape has recently garnered research attention, particularly in public spaces. In the summer of 2015, we installed an interactive sound system (Musikiosk) in a busy public park allowing users to play their own content over high-quality speakers. Questionnaires (N = 197) were administered over 3 conditions: pre-installation with park users, during the installation phase with Musikiosk users, and during the installation phase with park users not using Musikiosk. For users and observers of Musikiosk, a separate evaluation of the Musikiosk intervention was also included. The questionnaire included quantitative evaluations (soundscapes scale from Swedish Soundscape Quality Protocol, restorativeness, mood, noise sensitivity), free response data (soundscape description, self-reported activity, sound source identification, reasons for park visit), and demographic info (age, interaction with others, proximity of residence). The qualitative descriptions of activity and sound sources were categorized into emergent themes. Presented here is the analysis of the interaction between activity and soundscape assessment in terms of quantitative variables and qualitative descriptions.