How to evaluate urban soundscapes?

To evaluate urban soundscapes, it is thus required to analyze semantic properties attributed to sound sources and not only by noise level measurements. Based on such concepts adapted from communication science and semiotics, a model which supports the classification of auditory events is therefore suggested.

How does noise affect urban soundscape perception?

Regardless of the source, loud sounds can produce negative psychological effects. Sounds generated by human behaviors can foster psychological stability. Even noise sources like traffic can positively affect urban soundscape perception in specific context. Appropriate human activities can be encouraged for relaxing soundscapes.

Is noise annoyance an ideal urban soundscape?

If ideal urban soundscapes should reflect life through sounds communicating human presence and activities, noise annoyance is interpreted by the fact that “traffic” is the obvious salient factor describing the environment of cities ( Raimbault and Dubois, submitted ).

What is the taxonomy of sound source in urban acoustic environments?

Researchers vary in the sound source taxonomy they use for urban acoustic environments, but these taxonomies can generally be classified based on human activity (Brown, Kang, & Gjestland, 2011) or people, nature, and manmade structures (Bones, Cox, & Davies, 2018 ).