A Perceptual Structure of Soundscapes in Urban Public Spaces Using Semantic Coding Based on the Grounded Theory

Jingwen Cao () and Jian Kang
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Jingwen Cao: School of Architecture and Urban Planning, Nanjing University, 22# Hankou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing 210093, China
Jian Kang: UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London (UCL), Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0NN, UK

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 4, 1-14

Abstract: The definition of ‘soundscape’ emphasises the perceptual construct of sounds; thus, the mechanism of sound perceptions becomes vital for soundscape evaluations. Using a qualitative approach, this study explored the aspects and processes of sound perceptions and built a perceptual soundscape structure from the insight of sociology. The interview was conducted between January and March 2018, in four urban public spaces. Data reached saturation after 23 participants were interviewed based on the grounded theory approach. Four perceptual aspects of sounds were identified from the semantic coding analysis: sound classification, sound features, psychological reactions, and soundscape preferences. These aspects form a three-level process of perceiving soundscapes: sound classifications, sound appraisals (including sound features and psychological reactions), and finally, judgment (soundscape preferences). Overall, four aspects categorised into three levels of perception make up the soundscape structure. Soundscape preferences are at the most profound level of perception and are informed by the previous three aspects. Soundscape preferences are expressed through descriptive words and narrative ‘image’. The ‘image’ reflects people participating in different activities according to their social background. Social relationships influence soundscape preferences through people’s sound requirements for various activities. The perceptual structure of soundscapes may provide guidance for future soundscape research and soundscape questionnaire design.

Keywords: soundscape structure; grounded theory; semantic coding; perceived sounds; urban public spaces (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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