Effect of an Artificial Sound-Based Index on the Perception of Historical Block Environments

Abstract

The acoustic environment can influence people’s perceptions and experiences and shape the soundscape. The soundscape has a unique role in shaping the cultural identity of a regional culture. Artificial sounds are an essential source of sounds in historical blocks; research has shown the influence of the ratio of perceived artificial sounds to the perceived extent of natural sounds on environmental perception in historical blocks. In order to explore this impact, this study uses the red soundscape index (RSIn), which represents the ratio of perceived artificial sounds to natural sounds, and constructs a structural equation model to elucidate the relationship between RSIn, soundscape perception, and sense of place. The results show that: (1) The evaluation of the sense of place is inversely related to the perception of artificial sounds and positively related to the perception of natural sounds. (2) Different artificial sounds have different effects on soundscape perception and the sense of place; the traditional culture soundscape index (TRSIn) has a significant impact on soundscape pleasantness (β = −0.13, p < 0.001) and soundscape quality (β = −0.09, p < 0.01). (3) The human soundscape index (ARSIn) has a significant impact on the sense of place (β = −0.14, p < 0.001). (4) The music soundscape index (MRSIn) has a significant negative impact on soundscape quality (β = −0.13, p < 0.05) and the sense of place (β = −0.12, p < 0.05). Therefore, the different dominant artificial sound sources should be considered and emphasized when designing and optimizing the soundscape of historic districts. The results of this study can serve as design guidelines and supporting data, providing a reference for the optimization and enhancement of the soundscape of historical blocks.

The Effect of Soundscape on Sense of Place for Residential Historical and Cultural Areas: A Case Study of Taiyuan, China

“…Sense of place involves individuals' behaviors, values, and encompasses both social and natural aspects [7]. In the study of the relationship between people and their environment, historical and cultural areas were not static locations on a map; they were dynamic combinations of individuals and activities [8].…”

“…In the study of the relationship between people and their environment, historical and cultural areas were not static locations on a map; they were dynamic combinations of individuals and activities [8]. Sense of place, as described by Tuan (1977), represents the meanings and attachment to environment held by an individual or group [7]. It reflects the processes of identification, dependence, and alteration of a place, along with the identity, values, and emotions associated with that place [9].…”

“…It reflects the processes of identification, dependence, and alteration of a place, along with the identity, values, and emotions associated with that place [9]. It is an inclusive term with relatively fuzzy dimensions, including place attachment, place identity, and more [7,10,11].…”

A Study on the Characteristics and Influencing Factors of Soundscape Perception in Landscape Spaces of Urban Greenways

“…The research objects of soundscape perception characteristics are mainly different spatial environments, such as parks, green spaces, neighborhoods, classrooms, etc. [11][12][13][14][15]. For example, Zhang X et al…”

A Study of the Effects of Historical Block Context on Soundscape Perception

“…The research on soundscape in historical blocks has gradually begun to address the association with local characteristics and place attachment [20][21][22][23] from the traditional aspects of audiovisual interaction [24,25], soundscape evaluation and preference [26,27], and soundscape preservation and determinants [28,29]. However, these studies need to pay more attention to the impacts of differences in place functions.…”