Towards an Urban Vibrancy Model: A Soundscape Approach.

Jian Kang,Francesco Aletta

doi:10.3390/ijerph15081712

Abstract

Soundscape research needs to develop predictive tools for environmental design. A number of descriptor-indicator(s) models have been proposed so far, particularly for the “tranquility” dimension to manage “quiet areas” in urban contexts. However, there is a current lack of models addressing environments offering actively engaging soundscapes, i.e., the “vibrancy” dimension. The main aim of this study was to establish a predictive model for a vibrancy descriptor based on physical parameters, which could be used by designers and practitioners. A group interview was carried out to formulate a hypothesis on what elements would be influential for vibrancy perception. Afterwards, data on vibrancy perception were collected for different locations in the UK and China through a laboratory experiment and their physical parameters were used as indicators to establish a predictive model. Such indicators included both aural and visual parameters. The model, based on Roughness, Presence of People, Fluctuation Strength, Loudness and Presence of Music as predictors, explained 76% of the variance in the mean individual vibrancy scores. A statistically significant correlation was found between vibrancy scores and eventfulness scores, but not between vibrancy scores and pleasantness scores. Overall results showed that vibrancy is contextual and depends both on the soundscape and on the visual scenery.

Highlights

The quality of the acoustic environments of modern cities is becoming a growing concern at a global scale
While the the physical physical characteristics characteristics and and information information content contentofofthe theacoustic acoustic sensory environmentare arecertainly certainlyimportant, important,the thegroup groupinterview interviewconducted conductedininthis thisstudy studypointed pointedout outthat that environment other visual aspects might contribute to modulate vibrancy perception, which in line with the other visual aspects might contribute to modulate vibrancy perception, which is in lineiswith the holistic holistic approach underpinning the soundscape
This paper aimed to provide further insights into the perceptual construct of vibrancy in soundscape studies and to provide a predictive model for the vibrancy descriptor using physical indicators

Summary

Introduction

The quality of the acoustic environments of modern cities is becoming a growing concern at a global scale. When such quality is poor because of (among other issues) high exposures to unwanted sounds, there will likely be noise pollution, which has been recognised as an element “affecting quality of life and well-being and Noise issues are the object of attention of several groups with potentially competing interests towards the acoustic environment, including citizens, companies, policy-makers, local authorities, and planning and design professionals. A number of local authorities around Europe embraced this cause and tried to implement several actions into their policies, aimed at enhancing the environmental sound quality in a “proactive”, rather than a “reactive”, way (e.g., [8,9,10]) It is generally acknowledged that the management of the urban acoustic environments can no longer rely on a mere noise control or acoustic retrofitting approach [3,4,5,6] and it should extend to a broader concept of “urban sound planning” [7].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion