Evaluating the perceived affective qualities of urban soundscapes through audiovisual experiments

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Maria Luiza de Ulhôa Carvalho - , Universidade Federal de Goiás, University of Salford (Author)
  • Margret Engel - , Chair of Acoustics and Haptics, University of Salford (Author)
  • Bruno M Fazenda - , University of Salford (Author)
  • William J Davies - , University of Salford (Author)

Abstract

The study of the perceived affective qualities (PAQs) in soundscape assessments have increased in recent years, with methods varying from in-situ to laboratory. Through technological advances, virtual reality (VR) has facilitated evaluations of multiple locations in the same experiment. In this paper, VR reproductions of different urban sites were presented in an online and laboratory environment testing three locations in Greater Manchester (‘Park’, ‘Plaza’, and pedestrian ‘Street’) in two population densities (empty and busy) using ISO/TS 12913–2 (2018) soundscape PAQs. The studied areas had audio and video recordings prepared for 360 video and binaural audio VR reproductions. The aims were to observe population density effects within locations (Wilcoxon test) and variations between locations (Mann-Whitney U test) within methods. Population density and comparisons among locations demonstrated a significant effect on most PAQs. Results also suggested that big cities can present homogenous sounds, composing a ‘blended’ urban soundscape, independently of functionality. These findings can support urban design in a low-cost approach, where urban planners can test different scenarios and interventions.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere0306261
JournalPloS one
Volume19
Issue number9
Publication statusPublished - 5 Sept 2024
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 85203280648

Keywords

Keywords

  • Soundscape