Soundscape Design Research Articles

Enhancing authenticity in historic districts via soundscape design

AbstractHistoric districts play an important role in urban planning and protection. While previous research on soundscapes has focused on acoustic comfort or preferences in these districts, the aspect of authenticity has been somewhat overlooked. Therefore, this study proposes a methodology for constructing soundscapes that enhance the authenticity of such districts. Using the grounded theory approach, we identified four key components for enhancing authenticity via soundscapes: the aim of soundscape design, physical and cultural characteristics of soundscapes, the effects of soundscapes, and the influence of spatial characteristics on soundscapes. A theoretical framework was developed to illustrate the enhancement of authenticity in historic districts via soundscapes. To verify the applicability and advancement of the proposed framework, it was compared with methodologies and steps obtained from previous soundscape research in historic districts. This study underscores the significance of soundscape design in creating authenticity in historic districts, thereby contributing to the development of soundscape design in historic districts and offering sustainable solutions for the protection and renewal of urban cultural heritage.

Systematic review of indoor soundscape assessments: Activity-based psycho-acoustics analysis

This study examines 22 peer-reviewed papers to offer insights into the current utilization of psycho-acoustic sound quality metrics in research focused on indoor soundscapes. The selection of papers followed the PRISMA method for systematic review, followed by descriptive and bibliometric analyses. The review focuses on (i) identifying what psycho-acoustic indicators can be utilized to obtain an objective soundscape assessment, and (ii) determining if soundscape descriptors vary with the desired activities within the indoor space. The findings provide an overview of how psycho-acoustic sound quality metrics are used to predict perceived annoyance in indoor environments. The discussion delves into response variables related to occupants’ sound perception across various indoor settings. It highlights the lack of sufficient research on prediction models based on psycho-acoustic sound quality metrics within indoor soundscapes. Further research is required to develop tools enabling the optimal design of indoor soundscapes, which can vary according to the intended use of the room.

Multispecies soundscapes: a more-than-human approach

Sound and listening are integral to how communities engage with environments. Accordingly, many soundscape research projects are currently carried out to improve environments, with methods rapidly developing in a variety of human and non-human-centred fields. Although developments are taking place in parallel, approaches are yet to be fully integrated for the design and planning of multispecies soundscapes for the health and well-being of all communities. Human and non-human approaches to soundscape research differ not only in the methods used to assess the soundscape (subjective versus objective) but also in the conceptualisation of soundscapes and the aims of their research. This paper is an exploratory proposition towards the alignment of human and non-human soundscape approaches and aims to instigate questions and further research towards the expansion of soundscape practices. The paper argues that the planning and design of multispecies soundscapes requires the understanding of different conceptualisations and aims before attempting to integrate methods, and critically reviews incipient approaches and practices that are seeking to bridge subjective and objective, human and non-human, soundscape research.

Soundscape design methodology using a perception model for activity transition in future mobility

In the context of Future Mobility, a methodology for soundscape design using a perception model has been developed to facilitate the implementation of performance spaces among various activity transitions. This approach involved evaluating the soundscape and room acoustics of orchestra performances and solo singing that penetrate the vehicle interior, aimed at comparing with the auditory and visual environments of a concert hall. The performance hall being compared was a large, rectangular concert hall, and the evaluation point was located in the center of the audience. To investigate audio-visual preferences, variables related to sound pressure level and spatial acoustic quality were initially defined. Following this, in-car human perception in Concert Hall mode was assessed, grounded on indoor acoustic parameters relevant to music listening, encompassing acoustic satisfaction and audio-visual components. To enhance the poor audio-visual environmental conditions inside the vehicle from a UX perspective, implementations of transparent displays and stereoscopic sound were implemented. The methodology was validated based on the psychophysiological responses of participants to the audio-visual soundscape factors, aiming for performance enhancement.

Correlation between soundscape and sense of culture in historic public space

Soundscapes, as part of cultural heritage, have attracted attention for their role in crafting atmospheres and fostering a sense of place. It is still unclear how soundscapes and the sense of culture interlink within historic public spaces. This research explores how soundscape elements influence the sense of culture in historic towns. Twenty-five typical railway-type historic town public spaces in northern China are selected as examples. We restored the field situation in the laboratory. Through correlation analysis in SPSS, we analyzed the relationships between soundscape elements (encompassing objective environmental attributes and subjective perception) and cultural senses. The result shows: 1) Natural sounds, people sounds, and cultural activities sounds like music/shows significantly influence the sense of culture in historical spaces along the Chinese Eastern Railway (CER). 2)Calm and stable sound environments contribute to creating a cultural atmosphere. 3)Pleasure and eventful sounds strengthen people's connection to culture. 4)Enclosed spaces, pedestrian-friendly environments, and bustling crowds enhance the cultural ambience. 5)Visual perception correlates more strongly with the sense of culture than auditory evaluation. This research provides valuable insights for enhancing cultural senses in historic towns through soundscape design.

Optimisation strategies for indoor acoustic environment in Elderly apartments from a multi-sensory perspective

As ageing intensifies, the perceptual evaluation of the elderly is increasingly valued. Research has shown that appropriate soundscape can have a positive effect on environmental perception, but current soundscape design in elderly apartments pays more attention to auditory perception and often neglects the comprehensive impact of multi-sensory. This study was conducted in two elderly apartments in Wuxi and Jinan through physical environment measurements, comparative experiments and questionnaires. The study tested the indoor physical environment and collected the elderly's perceptual evaluation of each physical environment index. Combined with acoustic and olfactory environment comparative experiments, the study proposed strategies for optimising indoor acoustic and olfactory environment to meet the comfort level of the Chinese elderly. The participants were aged 70-90 years old and about 100 questionnaires were obtained. The results of the study found that the acoustic environment of elderly apartments, which is mainly based on natural sound, better enhances elderly's perceptual evaluation of the indoor environment; there are differences in the physical environment needs of older people for different functional rooms.; comfortable odours significantly enhance elderly's overall evaluation of the environment; and different physical environment indexes interact with elderly's perception.

Operating room soundscape design intervention study

Noise levels in a typical Operating Room are often well beyond the recommended 45dB for a typical OR environment. Due to stringent cleanability requirements in hospitals, there are limited finishes that can be used in these rooms. Researchers from Gresham Smith and Siebein Acoustic are currently engaged in a research project to investigate how the design of the operating room environment can be acoustically optimized for staff well-being and better patient outcomes. . The study focuses on the environmental variables that can be controlled including the effects of diffusing panels, angling of the walls, and the use of special cleanable acoustic finishes on the ceiling in 3 prototypically sized Operating Rooms using 3-dimensional acoustic models. Acoustic metrics including Reverberation Time, Speech Transmission Index and clarity were compared for 11 scenarios. Results from the acoustical modeling showed that, comparing 11 different scenarios, rooms treated with absorption performed "best" on multiple metrics (Reverberation Time, Clarity, Speech Transmission Index/Intelligibility). Future research will be implemented within existing operating rooms of our hospital partner for in situ validation. Acoustical measurements will again be taken and evaluated against the initial findings and the perceptions of the users of the spaces.

Soundscape Design in an Urban Natural Park

Urban natural parks represent a remarkable concept that evokes the coexistence of human habitation with a wild environment, and the associated interactions between human and natural territories. In this context, urban noise infringes upon the natural soundscape, leading to various consequences for both realms. This study seeks to characterize the impact of anthropic noise levels on biodiversity in the urban natural Văcărești Park (Bucharest, Romania), utilizing on-site measurements and software simulation techniques. The study seeks to develop a method for evaluating integrative strategies to mitigate the impact of traffic noise on wildlife in an urban wild park, without addressing the specific effects of noise on the perception and communication of individual species. By calibrating field measurements with laboratory results, a more reliable data set will be used to identify areas where the biophonic environment is impacted by anthropogenic noise. Since human-generated noise in an urban natural park predominantly originates from road traffic and industrial sites, managing traffic noise and its propagation pathways could substantially improve the park’s soundscape. Additionally, this study will apply software simulations for noise reduction strategies, such as vegetation planting and earthen embankments, to obtain suitable solutions and propose plausible and effective actions to authorities for improving the biophonic environment. This research could also serve as the basis for long-term monitoring, allowing for the assessment of the evolution and impact of implemented measures over time.

Research on the Application of Soundscape Design in Domestic Suspense Films: A Case Study of Lost in the Stars

This paper takes the soundscape design of domestic suspense films as the research object, aiming to explore the classification, case analysis, and production process of soundscapes in domestic suspense films, and to propose innovative strategies. Firstly, by defining and classifying film soundscapes, the characteristics of soundscape design in domestic suspense films are summarized. Secondly, through a specific case study of Lost in the Stars, the application and effect of soundscape design in domestic suspense films are analyzed. Next, the production process of soundscapes in domestic suspense films in the digital cinema era is introduced, including sound design, simultaneous recording, post-production, mixing, and playback stages. Finally, innovative strategies for the soundscape design of domestic suspense films are proposed. This research aims to provide theoretical support and innovative ideas for the practice of soundscape design in domestic suspense films.

Sonic Gathering Place: implementation of a biophilic soundscape design and its evaluation

The Sonic Gathering Place (SGP) is a prototype urban furniture installation that uses sound design to enhance the biophilic effects of plants. It uses field recordings from four different biomes in South-Eastern Australia mixed with plants that are representative of those biomes. The SGP has a circular seating structure comprising four integrated planter boxes, each with a single speaker. Nature-based field recordings play through the four-speaker array to create an immersive audio playback experience, though without masking the existing acoustic environment of the installation site. This paper focuses, as practice-led research, on the design process of the installation that encompasses four disciplinary approaches: soundscape design, biophilic design, field recording and urban furniture. Innovatively, it then reports a quantitative survey of the user’s experience of the SGP that hones understanding of human response to the design. Measured user-responses to the SGP, collected through a smartphone-based questionnaire, were overwhelmingly affirmative of the design, including a positive change in self-reported mood resulting from the visit to the SGP. These responses were observed with introduced sound levels set only marginally louder than sound levels that existed before the installation. The results signal a wider role that biophilic sound installations might play in urban landscape design.

Rethinking soundscape planning for an amphitheater in rainforest setting

The quality of the acoustic environment plays a crucial role in shaping human communication and comfort within a space. This is particularly true for outdoor performance venues like amphitheatres. This study explores the potential of soundscape design to optimize acoustic comfort for audiences in the unique setting of a rainforest amphitheater. Rainforests, characterized by dense vegetation and uneven terrain, present both challenges and opportunities for acoustic design. While they may introduce unwanted background noise, the inherent properties of rainforest trees offer valuable potential for passive noise absorption. This research investigates how existing trees can be strategically integrated into the amphitheater design to utilize their natural sound-absorbing capabilities. The primary objective is to achieve a balanced soundscape that maximizes visitor comfort during performances. Initial findings suggest that strategically utilizing trees as noise buffers while preserving natural soundscape elements can be a viable approach. Furthermore, creating a diversity of dynamic sonic areas within the amphitheater appears promising in catering to individual preferences and enhancing overall acoustic comfort for the community. Ultimately, this study seeks a harmonious solution that optimizes performance acoustics for visitors while preserving the unique soundscape of the rainforest environment.

Using soundscape diversity to interpret soundscape evaluation in urban green spaces—Relationship, integration, and application

Improving the evaluation criteria for the soundscape of urban green spaces is essential for the purposes of designing and planning. Nevertheless, studies that focus on the significance of soundscape diversity in such evaluations have been very limited. Furthermore, the relationship between soundscape diversity and the indicators used to evaluate soundscape in urban green spaces remains unclear. The present study investigates the relationship by conducting a soundscape survey across 30 green spaces to derive four soundscape diversity indices: the soundscape diversity index (SDI), soundscape richness index (SRI), soundscape dominance index (SDO), and soundscape evenness index (SEI). The findings indicate that soundscape diversity significantly influence sound preference, perceived affective quality, and the overall soundscape assessment, especially in traffic-noise-dominated and natural-sounds-dominated green spaces. Additionally, sound preference and perceived affective quality were found to act as intermediary factors between soundscape diversity and the overall soundscape assessment. The mediating effect was responsible for 23.7%, 24.5%, and 84.3% of the total effect in three types of green space, respectively. Therefore, the ideal soundscape diversity in urban green spaces depends on their specific type, rather than a simple “more is better” or “less is better” approach. Correspondingly, the use of soundscape diversity as a novel evaluation indicator can be employed for the assessment and design of soundscape in urban green spaces in future studies.

A study on the influence of dominant sound sources on users’ emotional perception in a pediatric dentistry clinic

IntroductionSoundscape in dental clinics has varying degrees of impact on the emotions of healthcare workers and young patients. Emotions such as restlessness, anxiety, anger, and nervousness are commonly found among dental healthcare workers. Pediatric dental clinics are an important part of dental clinics, but there is a lack of research on the soundscape within pediatric dental clinics.MethodsThis study focuses on a typical pediatric dental clinic, using a combination of field questionnaires and objective measurements. It aims to determine the impact of dominant sound sources on the emotional perception (nervousness, restlessness, anger, fear, pain) and hostile emotional responses of users in the pediatric dental clinic.ResultsIn the soundscape of pediatric dental clinics for young pediatric patients, users experience negative emotional perceptions (nervousness, restlessness, anxiety, anger, fear, and pain) and emotional responses of hostility. The dominant sound sources can be divided into two categories: dental (dental drill, air-water syringe, and saliva ejector) and nondental (children crying). Under the influence of dental dominant sound sources, there was a significant negative correlation between the emotional perceptions of healthcare workers and their negative emotional perceptions (p < 0.05). Conversely, for young pediatric patients aged 0–11 years, a significant positive correlation was observed between their emotional perceptions and negative emotional perceptions. The mean perceived degrees of nervousness and fear in young pediatric patients were 1.82 and 1.71 times stronger, respectively, than those observed in healthcare workers. Under the influence of non-dental dominant sound sources, the average degree of emotional perception among healthcare workers was 0.71 higher than that of young pediatric patients, and anxiety perception was significantly enhanced (p < 0.05). The mean degree of nervousness perception was 1 point higher in healthcare workers compared to young pediatric patients, restlessness perception was 1.1 stronger, and there was a presence of mild pain perception. In terms of demographic/social factors, age, occupation, and years of work significantly affected the perceptions of fear and restlessness among healthcare workers, while age had a significant impact on the emotional reaction of hostility in young pediatric patients.DiscussionThe results of this study indicate that the soundscape is an important factor in creating a comfortable treatment environment in pediatric dental clinics. Healthcare workers and young pediatric patients are significantly affected by the dominant sound sources in the clinic, and these effects are closely related to demographic and social factors such as age, profession, and years of experience. This finding can provide more targeted methods and strategies for the design and creation of soundscapes in dental clinics.

A framework to characterize and classify soundscape design practices based on grounded theory

Abstract In recent years, various stakeholders and political decision-makers have recognized the significance of high-quality urban sound environments, stressing the need for user-centered trajectories. Despite the rising interest in this field, the soundscape approach has not yet fully permeated urban planning and design, possibly due to a lack of comprehensible guidelines on how to implement and curate successful soundscape designs, attributed to on-going developments on this subject. In the course of the Catalogue of Soundscape Interventions (CSI) Project, a taxonomy of eight dimensions was developed to serve as an orientation aid for practitioners, describing important aspects of soundscape-related measures that can be used as a brief to facilitate communication between authorities, consultants, and researchers. This study describes the theoretical framework and, in particular, the sequential coding process involved in deriving these dimensions, which is based on grounded theory. It lists observations and limitations of the resulting taxonomy and builds upon these findings to critically review and revisit existing nomenclature and concepts. Finally, a qualitative distinction in the form of a design pyramid according to ascending levels of epistemic rigor is proposed, to differentiate between documented practices, which may serve as a reference point for future harmonization and standardization.

The Aural Eye

Human aural experience can be equally considered along spatial and temporal continuums. We hear at all times of the day and night, and within all places and spaces: built, natural, public, private and virtual. The territory – both physical and philosophical – between music composition for interior listening and traditional sound based research within environmental acoustics is gradually being occupied by the listener-centred approach of soundscape studies. Soundscape design is emerging as an interdisciplinary field within design education, and one that not only challenges the ocular-centric nature of most design education, but one that could provide a useful mode through which to investigate the coincidences between different design disciplines. This paper draws on the author’s own practice as a sound designer in a variety of spatial sound projects in built and virtual contexts to discuss ideas of landscape, interiority, space and place as experienced through listening. This will include aspects of Canopies: chimerical acoustic environments for the Southgate soundscape system, Ecstasis: human presence in digital environments for an interactive VR system and stereoscopic projections, and The Occupation of Space: Soundsites project with the Melbourne blind community.2 The ideas and technologies underpinning these projects also form the basis of a new pedagogy of sound and listening housed in the Spatial Information Architecture Laboratory’s (SIAL) Sound Studios at RMIT University. The place and role of the Sound Studio’s program in providing an aural perspective that compliments the visual methodologies of co-located design disciplines is discussed.

Research on Soundscape Design Strategies for Public Spaces in Dong Village, Dali

Soundscape reflects the ecological, cultural and social characteristics of regions and ethnic groups and is an important part of the public environment. Because in the past environmental design, the breadth and depth of the design that considers the human settlement environment system as a large framework should be included and involved. Therefore, this article analyzes the existing public space and landscape nodes of the public environment of Dali Dong Village, and uses the knowledge of environmental science, sociology, landscape science and other related disciplines to explore the Dong village public environment as the design practice object. It hopes to provide a useful reference for the research on sound landscape design of traditional ethnic minority settlements in my country.

A Study of Soundscape Restoration in Office-Type Pocket Parks

High-density building environments and fast-paced working conditions in cities pose health challenges for office workers. Office-type pocket parks assume the social responsibility of providing restorative environments for office workers, and the soundscape is an essential element of such environments. However, there is limited research on soundscape restoration in office-type pocket parks. Therefore, this study focused on soundscape restoration in office-type pocket parks. First, on-site investigations explored the spatial characteristics of 55 office-type pocket parks while analysing the soundscape features of 12 representative parks. Notably, significant correlations emerged among the perceptual parameters of the soundscape. Subsequently, three dimensions were extracted through an experimental study on the restoration levels of soundscape elements in office-based pocket parks: attractiveness, coordination, and disengagement. Finally, this study explored the impact of spatial enclosures and interface characteristics on soundscape restoration levels. This revealed that the restorative effect of negative sounds, such as traffic, air-conditioning, and speech, is significantly negatively correlated with spatial enclosure. Therefore, the greater the enclosure, the lower the restorative effect of the soundscape. Birdsongs significantly enhance the attractiveness of grey spaces, whereas small fountain sounds are most coordinated in blue spaces. This study provides a reference for the design of soundscapes in pocket parks to build healthy, restorative urban environments.

Comparative evaluation of soundscapes in human activities spatial contexts of pedestrian spaces adjacent to arterial roads

Pedestrian spaces adjacent to arterial roads are characterized by the dominance of traffic noise alongside various human activities. Research on the impact of traffic noise on the soundscape evaluation of pedestrian spaces has not considered human activities spatial contexts. To address this research gap, the present study constructed auditory environments for pedestrian spaces in the contexts of commuting, residential, and commercial activities. A total of seven auditory environments were subjected to laboratory auditory evaluations, including perceived dominance of sound source, acoustic comfort, and perceived affective quality of the soundscape. The results indicated that in pedestrian spaces with constant traffic noise, the presence of significant human activity sounds led to a decreased perceived dominance of traffic noise and an increased acoustic comfort, despite the higher acoustic energy. Thus, pedestrian spaces with a variety of human activity received better soundscape evaluations. The elements that reflected the human activities spatial contexts, including the types and intensity of human activities, played a crucial role in soundscape evaluations. Better acoustic comfort was reported in pedestrian spaces characterized by low-intensity residential activities and high-intensity commercial activities. Additionally, pedestrian spaces with more intense activities offered an actively engaging soundscape. The findings can provide reference for a more accurate evaluation of the soundscape in pedestrian spaces and guide the soundscape design of pedestrian environments.

The Catalogue of Soundscape Interventions (CSI) project—A tool to bridge soundscape research and practice

The Catalogue of Soundscape Interventions (CSI) project addressed the growing interest in urban soundscapes by establishing a comprehensive taxonomy for soundscape design. The project development is described, emphasizing its role in connecting soundscape research with practical applications. The proposed concepts for soundscape design interventions and other soundscape interventions are discussed, which seek to inform the creation of “soundscape design briefs.” These briefs, intended for use by local authorities, aim to enhance communication among soundscape consultants and researchers, and other relevant stakeholders. This work also presents the intersection of the CSI project with the technical specifications outlined in the ISO/AWI TS 12913-4 Acoustics Soundscape Part 4: Design and Intervention, currently in development. By aligning with emerging standards, the CSI project seeks to contribute to a unified framework for soundscape practices, and to establish a model to describe phases and necessary action points in the life cycle of a soundscape design intervention.

One size does not fit all: Three tools and approaches for soundscape simulations

We present a reflection on three prototypes of real-time interactive soundscape simulators aimed at supporting participatory urban sound planning and interventions. These prototypes were developed as part of the Sounds in the City cross-sectoral partnership through an iterative process involving various stakeholders. Each prototype enables different ways to manipulate soundscapes through tailored interfaces and audio/visual outputs, targeting different types of users. The first version is audio-only and uses live music tools for Ambisonics spatialization, with limited environmental modeling for co-design exercises with urban and sound professionals. The second version builds on the idea of the first and adds acoustic modeling. It was used to assess the impact of sound installations in public spaces through research-creation involving sound artists and residents. The last version utilizes (desktop or head-mounted) virtual reality with binaural rendering, immersing the user in an audio-visual city to raise sound awareness and support urban soundscape design. We emphasize that there is no one-size-fits-all tool. Rather, we highlight how different tools are needed for different auralization tasks and target user groups. These tools are presented through examples of early-stage conceptualization, educational components, creative processes, laboratory-based soundscape assessments, and both individual and participatory design sessions.