Soundscape Study Research Articles

Taipei performing arts center surrounding soundscape study and its application

Taipei Performing Arts Center designed by architect Rem Koolhaas and his firm OMA, features three theaters stacked vertically. The cube-shaped structure features a distinctive geometric facade, serving as the seating areas for the three main theaters. These giant facades, due to their sloped seating surfaces, could also function as significant sound-reflecting and focusing panels, potentially amplifying the nearby MRT and traffic noise. The project was strategically located near Shihlin Nightmarket for the area's cultural and economic growth. ISO-12913 soundscape study method is used to document essential sound sources, paths, and levels. The average sound pressure level of 67.4 decibels around the building provides an indication of the ambient noise in the immediate vicinity. While the acoustic comfort level in the plaza beneath the prominent facades may not be optimal, it is crucial to acknowledge their dual role as guiding individuals into the performance hall and serving as a buffer between external traffic and internal events. In addition to evaluating the impact of building mass and envelope design decisions on sound levels, this study uncovers a noteworthy finding related to urbanized traffic beeping. The observed and mapped patterns of local traffic sounds reveal unique cultural messages embedded in the auditory landscape.

The implementation of soundscape attributes in Indonesian: A case study of soundwalk

The ISO 12913-3 method A of part 2 is a standardized method to calculate the score of pleasantness and eventfulness according to the rating of standard soundscape attributes mentioned in ISO 12913-2. However, implementing the attributes might result in invalid measurement if the attributes are used directly for soundscape studies in non-English speaking countries. The Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP) is an initiation to develop the standard soundscape attributes in different languages. This study employs a soundwalk to validate soundscape attributes in Indonesian and English for soundscape study in Indonesia. The validation process involves the utilization of Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Multidimensional Scaling (MDS), Reliability Analysis, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The analysis shows that implementing soundscape attributes in Indonesian gives a more similar result to the standard circumplex model than the standard attributes in English. Further analysis of the soundwalk data shows that the circumplex model, which implemented Indonesian attributes, is not ideal. As a result, the circumplex model might need correction. The model developed using CFA from the soundwalk experiment with Indonesian attributes demonstrates that the application of the CFA model results in average differences in pleasantness score of −1.76 and eventfulness score of −0.06 compared to the result from standard ISO 12913-3 model calculation.

Static recording apparatus for soundscape analysis in Macau

The concept of Soundscape was initially proposed to study the relationship between humans and their sonic environment. It has gathered momentum from academia to environmentalists and policymakers throughout the years. The study and characterisation of Soundscapes can be complex as it tries to take a holistic and qualitative approach rather than simply quantifying sound pressure levels. This paper introduces a comprehensive Soundscape study process in an ongoing research project in Macao (China), a small territory (32.9 km2) and one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The paper seeks to show a first version of a technical solution to systematically capture the local soundscape, analyse it, classify it, and ultimately deliver a dataset library and the intangible qualities of the environmental sound. This implementation, including technical documentation, code, and sound library with strong labelling, is presented under an open-source license to encourage future collaborative research. Finally, the paper offers suggestions on further developing the apparatus to reach a systematic and near real-time soundscape analysis with the development of a machine learning system.

The relationship between acoustic characteristics and landscape elements with different hydrodynamic environment in Jiuzhaigou World Heritage Site, China

A large number of studies are exploring the applicability of acoustic indices, and studies have been conducted to reveal the relationship between environmental factors (vegetation, microclimate, geology, etc.) and acoustic indices in different temperature zones and under different ecosystem conditions. On the one hand, studies in water ecosystems with different hydrodynamic characteristics are relatively lacking, and on the other hand, the accuracy of acoustic index calculation under the influence of continuous hydrodynamic features still needs to be continuously explored. This study explores whether acoustic indices can provide relatively accurate revealing results of landscape characteristics under different hydroacoustic intensities. In this paper, we collected 19 typical hydrodynamic soundscape resources including waterfalls, streams and haizi in Jiuzhaigou World Natural Heritage Site, a typical water ecosystem environment, as the object of the soundscape study. The landscape features were identified using semantic segmentation image techniques, and some specific feature factors were scored by eight people to complement. The relationships between 7 commonly used acoustic indices (i.e., Bioacoustic Index-BIO, Acoustic Entropy Index-AEI, Acoustic Diversity Index-ADI, Acoustic Evenness Index-AEI, Acoustic Complexity Index-ACI, Normalized Difference Soundscape Index-NDSI, Acoustic Richness Index-AR) and landscape elements were explored. The results show that (i) different hydrodynamic characteristics cause great differences among the acoustic indices, and (ii) the extent to which acoustic indices characterize landscape elements varies under different hydrodynamic characteristics. The study reveals the characteristics of the hydrodynamically dominated acoustic environment in Jiuzhaigou, and collects response data for subsequent monitoring of environmental changes using acoustic indices, as well as laying the foundation for conservation management.

Soundscape of Sandiaoling Ecological Tunnel

The Sandiaoling Ecological Tunnel, originally an abandoned railway, has been transformed into a 1852 m long ecological bike path. Constructed with stones and bricks, the tunnel now features an elevated bike path supported by threaded iron rods, with a gentle water flow beneath. As the tunnel has two main sections and an open transition area in between it, the entrance (open), the middle of the tunnel (enclosure), near the tunnel exit (semi-open), and the transition area between the two main sections are selected as the four soundscape study locations. The study follows ISO-12913 soundscape study method to document essential sound sources, paths, and levels. Odeon Room Acoustic Software is used to study the simulated sound source propagations. The research documents a taxonomy of sound sources, encompassing both natural and man-made sounds. The tunnel's atmosphere is characterized by quietude, monotony, coldness, and resonance. The average equivalent sound pressure level in the four measured locations is 59dBA. Frequency spectrums and simulated reflection patterns are also examined. During the soundwalk, the overall listening impression of the tunnel is described as delightful, relaxing, peaceful, and harmonious with nature. The atmosphere inside the tunnel evokes a sense of serenity and tranquility.

Extending Soundwalking Practice: Soundsitting as an Inclusive and Complementary Method to Soundwalking

This paper proposes the ‘soundsit’ as an alternative method to be used independently or in conjunction with current soundwalking methodological practice. The soundsit seeks to address the limits of the soundwalking method in relation to issues of transition, changing context, event occurrence, temporality, and inclusivity. Soundwalking and soundsitting are both methods of experiencing soundscape: soundwalking involves exploring and listening to the sounds of the environment while moving through it, while soundsitting involves sitting still in a particular place and listening to the sounds that exist in situ. The soundsit provides the participant or researcher with a fixed perspective and place to observe and experience sounds, within a defined soundscape context, enabling them to gain a longer-term experiential understanding of a space. Analogous with acoustic measurements, soundsitting is comparable to capturing average energy equivalent sound level LAeq measurements in allowing the perception of and activities within a soundscape to settle into a steady state. Beyond obtaining a longer-term impression of a chosen sound environment, soundsitting allows for a participant to disengage with the visual, which allows for deeper engagement and focus when listening to a soundscape; in addition, soundsitting removes the safety implications and distractions of walking practice and, as such, is a more inclusive form of activity, allowing those who are unable to walk to engage in the practice. The static nature of the listening experience allows for a different type of immersion through engaged active listening, something which is not possible on a soundwalk, allowing for deeper qualitative analysis and insight into the soundscape of a specific space or location. The primary findings show with test group of n = 6 that both methods are effective soundscape study tools, and further work with diverse groups is required.

Soundscape of an eastern coastal city of India.

The soundscape study of an eastern Indian coastal city (Puri) has been investigated. Acoustic data were collected at 36 sampling locations during two time intervals in and around Puri. A number of noise indices, namely, Lmin, Lmax, and Leq, were calculated to demonstrate the noise level of this city. Noise maps are generated using ARC-GIS to investigate the impact of road traffic noise on the soundscape of the city. The response of the public was appraised by a questionnaire. Due to variable traffic features, the equivalent noise level (Leq) as well as peak (L10) and background noise (L90) levels varied with location and time of the day. It was found that socio-demographic characteristics have no bearing on the amount of annoyance. However, a link was observed between age, hearing condition, and noise perception, as well as between gender and impacts of noise.

Soundscape study to develop a new noise ordinance

A soundscape study was conducted to assist with the development of a new noise ordinance in the City of Delray Beach, Florida. Delray Beach has an active entertainment district, which is popular with tourists and locals. Integrated into the district and the surrounding area are recent residential and business developments. During the pandemic the entertainment district activity was reduced. Since 2021, the activity was resumed. With the intensified activity noise complaints to the City increased. The existing subjective noise ordinance was not effective. A soundscape study was conducted to determine the existing conditions, and to develop new data-driven, perception-based objective standards. The goals for the new ordinance were to create certainty for stakeholders, to balance the interests of businesses and residents, to manage expectations, and to ensure fairness and consistency in application. Long-term and short-term acoustical measurements were made, several public workshops and hearings were held and two soundwalks were conducted. The results of data collection are discussed. At the time of this writing, the draft of the new ordinance is in process, to be presented to the City Commission for consideration. The outcome of this effort will be presented.

Assessment of soundscapes using self-report and physiological measures

Soundscape studies evaluate the subjective and objective qualities of an environment and attempt to develop a holistic view of the interplay between the acoustic scene and the listener’s experience. Descriptors are used to express the perception of the acoustic environment, while further subjective and quantitative measures are used as indicators that represent features of the acoustic environment. The relationships between descriptors and indicators for a particular soundscape study are often identified by developing linear statistical models. This work describes an experiment to assess heart rate measures, including ultra short term heart rate variability, within the context of the predictor descriptor framework of a soundscape study. The aim of this work is to provide evidence in support of the psychophysiological basis of measures of affect in soundscape evaluation. In this study 15 participants evaluated a randomly ordered set of 8 soundscape recordings in a repeated measures directed listening experiment. Subjective evaluation of the soundscapes was performed using the self-assessment manikin and a sound classification survey. Participants’ heart rate was measured throughout the experiment with a Polar H10 ECG heart rate monitor. Statistically significant relationships were identified between indicators and descriptors that reflect results present in the literature. However, there were no significant interactions between heart rate measures and self-reported affect or classification scores. Future studies should focus on improving the selection of stimuli and the experiment methodology to boost the sensitivity of the experiment in light of small effect sizes.

State of Play in Marine Soundscape Assessments

A soundscape is the recording of all sounds present in an area, creating a holistic view of the acoustic profile in an ecosystem. Studying acoustic parameters of marine soundscapes as a whole has been shown to give an indication of the health status of the location, as well as correlate to which species may be present and using the area. With the rapid innovation of technology, especially data storage and declining cost of equipment, marine soundscape research is fast increasing, and these previous limitations have been switched for computing capacity for data analysis. Here, we perform a systematic assessment of literature of marine soundscape studies, from 1978, when the first soundscape study was reported, until 2021. We identified 200 primary research studies that recorded soundscapes and captured their geographical location, depth, habitat, duration of the study, and number of sites in each study. Using this data, we summarize the state of play in marine soundscapes studies, and identify knowledge gaps in the spatial coverage, depth profiles, habitat representation and study duration. Spatially, studies are biased towards the northern hemisphere. They are also more prevalent in more easily accessible ecosystems, in order from most to least studied, in coastal (38%), pelagic (20%), tropical coral reef (17%), rocky reef (7%), polar (5.5%), seagrass meadows, oyster reef and kelp/algal forest (<5% each) areas, with zones of cold-water coral the least studied (0.3%). Continuing the trend of accessibility, studies also tended to focus on shallow ecosystems. Most recordings (68%) were conducted in the upper 50 m, with 13% in 50-200 m depths, and only 0.6% at a depth >4000 m. With anthropogenic noise and other pollution sources increasing globally, these gaps in research should be further addressed, especially as they pertain to vulnerable ecosystems, many of which are affected by global climate change and anthropogenic influences. It is crucial that marine soundscape studies continue to be developed and pursued, to establish baselines for healthy ecosystems and/or document recovery following management actions.

The Development of Standard Perceptual Attributes in Indonesian for Soundscape Evaluation: Result from Initial Study

ABSTRACT ISO 12913-1, 12913-2, and 12913-3 have standardized soundscape evaluation from different aspects such as definition and framework, data collection methods, and data analysis. Central to ISO 12913-2 is that an acoustic environment can be evaluated based on perceptual attributes standardized only in English. These perceptual attributes might be interpreted differently in a different country, resulting in incorrect soundscape evaluation. Thus, to overcome the problem, International collaboration was initiated to develop standard perceptual attributes for soundscape evaluation in 15 languages.This study explains the development of soundscape perceptual attributes in Indonesian. A focus group discussion had been conducted to develop the attributes in Indonesian. Afterward, in-situ experiments were carried out to identify soundscape evaluation using two different perceptual attributes both in English and in Indonesian. The Wilkinson signed-rank test analysis shows that the rating score between English and Indonesian attributes is not significant on several attributes. Those attributes are pleasant, vibrant, calm, annoying, and monotonous. The other attributes (chaotic, uneventful, and eventful) are rated differently compared to the Indonesian version. It is interesting to note that using English attributes or using a straightforward translation might not be suitable for soundscape study in Indonesia.

An improved service quality measurement model for soundscape assessment in urban public open spaces

The well-known service quality measurement (SQM) models, Importance-Satisfaction (I-S) model and Improvement index (Ii) model, have been recently proved useful in the analysis of soundscape quality. By combining the concepts of soundscape and quality management, this paper proposes an improved SQM model for soundscape assessment in urban public open spaces. Instead of using the I-S model, the Preference-Satisfaction (P-S) model was developed for soundscape quality evaluation, which can simultaneously assess the importance, satisfaction and improvement direction of soundscape elements and provide more accurate and comprehensive information for guiding the soundscape management and improvement. The proposed methods were subsequently applied to case studies in eight ordinary urban public open spaces in Fujian Province, China, and provided detailed information about the soundscape quality of these surveyed open spaces as well as their improvement strategies. The results have demonstrated the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method. To the authors' knowledge, practical applications of quality management methods (or its variations) to urban soundscape study are still limited in the literature; therefore, the proposed method and findings of the current study could be valuable for both practical soundscape design and academic research.

A review of audio-visual interaction on soundscape assessment in urban built environments

The sense of sight or ‘visual’ plays a crucial role in the perception of soundscape. Since the concept of soundscape is put forward, audio-visual interaction has been incorporated in soundscape research, particularly in urban planning and noise control. The study on audio-visual interactions have not only enhanced and expanded the contents of soundscape assessment, but also helped to develop more comprehensive approaches for the recording and reproduction of audio-visual signals. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of audio-visual interactions on soundscape assessment and noise control through an extensive review of existing literatures. Methodologies of in situ surveys and laboratory experiments are summarized and discussed, which allows a classification system and conceptual framework for soundscape study and design with audio-visual interaction to be constructed. Accordingly, this framework can provide a guideline for the methodologies to be used in future audio-visual assessments of soundscapes and blueprint for how an audio-visual experiment should be designed.

Gray Areas

“Navigable narratives” are a subgenre of narrative-based video games under the umbrella definition of “walking simulators.” While they are a subgenre of video games, analyzing their score or soundscape purely through a video game lens paints an incomplete picture because of their different artistic focus. Models like Elizabeth Medina-Gray's modular analysis are a useful start but insufficient on their own to understand this genre's sound. Rather, a participant's experience in a navigable narrative is often quite similar to that of a soundwalk, especially a virtual reality soundwalk; the game composer/audio designer creates an intricate soundscape through which the participant moves, and with the main focus on the story and gradual travel, the participant has more time and capacity than in a typical video game to build meaning from the soundwalk they perform. One of the major relationships navigable narratives have with soundwalks is the breakdown of diegesis in the soundscape the participant takes in, which is unlike most video games. To analyze the soundwalk and also the soundscape present in navigable narratives, I draw from R. Murray Schafer, Hildegard Westerkamp, and Janet Cardiff. In the opposite direction, in many ways navigable narratives are very much like “literary computer games,” or interactive narratives that may be analyzed via “ludostylistics” à la Janet Murray and Astrid Ensslin. A key element in many navigable narratives is the use of narrative time, as described by Alicyn Warren, rather than real time, which also sets navigable narratives apart from standard video games and especially from soundwalks. To explore these varied models and lenses, I demonstrate an analytical approach, using Leaving Lyndow (2017) as my primary case study. And so, between these analytical lenses of video game music theory, soundscape and soundwalk study, and ludostylistics applicable to literary computer games, I posit that the sound of navigable narratives is best understood through a synthesis of all three.

The changing soundscape of the performing arts lobby

A lobby is traditionally the formal entrance to a performance venue. It can act as a buffer from the urban environment and be used by patrons before, during and after performances. In multi-venue performing arts centers, it can also act as buffer space between performances. An urban resurgence has seen younger populations move into cities and stay, and performance venues are adapting to serve the new populations. Performing artists have creatively extended their reach into the lobby using its spaces for lectures, pre and post performances, social gatherings and exhibits. Lobbies are becoming active during most of the day and evening, breaking down the acoustic buffer that they once held. This paper will focus on a soundscape study produced of several multi-performance venues that are finding creative ways to use their lobbies. It includes the identification of the activities that are taking place there, how these activities impact the main performance venues, and solutions to maintain the traditional functions of the lobby, whilst providing the active spaces needed for the future.

An innovative approach in data collection for restaurant soundscape study

Crowdsourcing is one of the common approaches in collecting sonic and human perception information for studying restaurant soundscape. However, it has not been easy to find a good reason to motivate people so as to obtain their support continuously in data collection. An innovative approach has been developed and tried in various locations in Asia. This paper presents the initial findings.

An experimental soundscape study, combining binaural recordings, in situ questionnaires and behavioral mapping

In 2014 and, more recently, in 2018 the ISO norms on soundscape were released with the aim of providing a conceptual framework and standardized data collection methods for the international community of scientists and professionals with an interest on soundscape. This paper presents a research study conducted in the summer of 2018 in a Berlin public square where, following the ISO norms on soundscape, methods were applied to further investigate the findings of the “Beyond the Noise: Open Source Soundscapes” project, i.e., the everyday quiet areas as identified by the participants in the project. First, the paper introduces the research questions originated from the previous study. Second, it outlines the fieldwork procedure and methods, consisting in binaural measurements made in parallel to in situ questionnaires and behavioral mapping. Third, it discusses the initial results and limitations of the study. In conclusion it argues the soundscape approach potential within urban design and planning, illustrating how the results were partially exploited to design a bottom-up master plan proposal so as to improve the public square’s soundscape and reduce noise pollution.

The development of acoustic environment simulator for passenger’s train soundscape

The study of soundscape in laboratory usually conducted by reproducing acoustic environment recording or simulated acoustic environment. Different method has been developed to understand the soundscape in the laboratory using acoustic environment composition. The soundscape composition has been validated and implemented for outdoor urban soundscape but not the indoor soundscape. The previous soundscape simulator only considers the behaviour of sound sources (movement, and position in space) without considering the sound reflection. This study tries to develop an acoustic environment simulator for passenger train soundscape study. In the passenger train, there are some annoying sound source that cannot be removed such as the sound of bogie or the sound of buffers and chain coupler. The soundscape composition concept using acoustic environment simulator can be implemented to understand the existing soundscape, to fix the soundscape (by selecting different sound source for masking and adjust the sound level), and to evaluate the effect of the acoustic treatment inside the passenger train. The simulator can reproduce realistic acoustic environment using ambisonic reproduction concept. Furthermore, the reflection inside the passenger train simulated by using the concept of auralization.

A method for assessing soundscape in urban parks based on the service quality measurement models

The importance of the quality of the soundscape to the total environment of urban parks has been widely realized. With the purpose of exploring more efficient and effective approaches for the evaluation and analysis of the soundscape quality of urban parks, the quality assessment theories and methods that used in the areas of quality management and service industry are adopted in this study. A quality evaluation method for the soundscape is then proposed based on two well-known service quality measurement (SQM) models, Importance-Satisfaction (I-S) model and Improvement index (Ii) model. By simultaneously assessing both importance and satisfaction of soundscape elements in urban parks, this method can provide detailed and comprehensive information that can be used for guiding the soundscape design and improvement of urban parks. Finally, the proposed method is applied to a case study in Hong Kong. Based on the analysis of the data collected by questionnaire survey in this case study, the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated, and a practical decision-making strategy for soundscape quality improvement of urban parks is summarized. According to the authors’ best knowledge, this study is the first attempt to apply the SQM method of combining I-S model and Ii model to the soundscape study of urban park. The ideas and findings not only benefit the practical soundscape management, but also provide a valuable reference for the academic research of soundscape.

The Personal Viewpoint on the Meaning of Tranquility Affects the Appraisal of the Urban Park Soundscape

Previous research has shown that tranquil areas in the city, such as urban parks, are usually perceived as positive and have a restorative effect on visitors. However, visitors could experience these spaces differently depending on the meaning they assign to the concept of tranquility. To investigate how individuals’ personal views on tranquility affect their perception of the sonic environment, a soundscape study was conducted in several city parks in Antwerp, Belgium. Mobile sound measurements were combined with a questionnaire survey amongst 660 park visitors. Within the survey, the participants’ viewpoint on tranquility was evaluated using their agreement with a set of previously established prototypical statements, categorizing them into one out of three main tranquility viewpoint groups: people that associate tranquility with silence, those that associate it with hearing natural sounds, or those that associate it with social relationships. Next to this, the sounds that participants had heard during their visit were noted, and their perception of the overall quality of the soundscape and the degree to which it matched their expectation were assessed. Results show that the park visitors who associate tranquility with natural sounds or to silence are more often found amongst those that report hearing mechanical sounds a lot. The same groups of visitors rate the overall quality of the sonic environment of the park more often bad to very bad. These findings suggest that park visitors pay attention more to the sounds they do not expect to hear, and that the higher their expectations about the soundscape, the more critical they become in their appraisal of the soundscape.