Traffic Noise Influence on Soundscape Quality At Campus Landscape Area

Engku Mastura Engku Mohd Anuar,Hazreena Hussein,Nazli Che Din

doi:10.22452/jdbe.vol17no1.1

Engku Mastura Engku Mohd Anuar, Hazreena Hussein + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.22452/jdbe.vol17no1.1

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Abstract

Campuses located in urban areas are prone to issues such as high traffic and noise pollution which can affect both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Environmental experiences involving the perception of positive and negative sounds relate to the study of soundscape. This paper presents a soundscape assessment using two physical approaches of site observation and sound measurement. Two landscape areas in University of Malaya (UM) campus were selected: the parcourse area (Site I) and the water feature area (Site II). The objectives are to investigate the level of sound quality and to identify the connection between the soundscape and the landscape elements. During site observation, the human sound of Site I, water sound of Site II and vehicular sounds characterize the selected sites. Both sites sound pressure level were at 50 dBA and above during low traffic conditions, and a critical level of over 60 dBA during high traffic conditions. This current sound level exceeded the permissible level for institutions of 50 dBA by the Department of Environment. Sounds generated by the water feature and from human activities do influence the soundscape during low traffic period but insignificant during high traffic period. It is important to take into consideration on the factor of location, surrounding context, landscape elements and vegetation when creating a landscape area for the community in the campus. It is hoped that the findings will provide fundamental data for future improvement and development of UM campusâ€Ÿ landscape areas.

Highlights

Populated urban cities are often associated with the increase in traffic that leads to noise pollution (Raimbault & Dubois, 2005; Goswami et al, 2011)
Site II which comprises of water element generated the effect of waterfall sound when it is in operation. They are both located along the main road, which is accessible through Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Petaling Jaya (PJ) entrance gates, with high possibility of being influenced by traffic noise (Figure 1)
Based on the research findings, connections can be observed between the soundscape, landscape elements, site context, and traffic flow

Summary

Introduction

Populated urban cities are often associated with the increase in traffic that leads to noise pollution (Raimbault & Dubois, 2005; Goswami et al, 2011). The increased use of private vehicles, the location of the campus and the traffic movement influence the high sound level that could affect human health (El-Sharkawy & Alsubaie, 2014). The usage of vehicles affected the indoor and outdoor environment and brings about negative impact on the quality of life in a campus (Kong et al, 2009). The quality of recreation spaces that aim to promote healthy lifestyle can be improved by the existence of soothing sounds of nature. It can deteriorated by acoustic disturbances (Yang and Kang, 2005)

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