How Should Soundscape Optimization from Perceived Soundscape Elements in Urban Forests by the Riverside Be Performed?

Xin-Chen Hong, Shi Cheng, Jiang Liu, Lian-Huan Guo, Emily Dang, Jia-Bing Wang and Yuning Cheng ()
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Xin-Chen Hong: School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
Shi Cheng: School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
Jiang Liu: School of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Lian-Huan Guo: School of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Emily Dang: Department of Forest Resources Management, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4, Canada
Jia-Bing Wang: School of Architecture and Urban-Rural Planning, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, China
Yuning Cheng: School of Architecture, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China

Land, 2023, vol. 12, issue 10, 1-13

Abstract: Urban forests by the riverside are important habitats for various animals and contribute various soundscapes for citizens. Unfortunately, urban forests are exposed to the influence of riverside traffic noises from freeways. This study aims to explore the spatial and temporal variation of soundscape, conduct soundscape optimization for multiple parameters, and find a balance and its interval of soundscape elements through optimizing a soundscape map. Questionnaires and measuring equipment were used to gather soundscape information in an urban forested area in Fuzhou, China. Diurnal variations and soundscape mapping were used to analyze spatial and psychophysical relationships between soundscape drivers. We then conducted optimization for a soundscape map, which included normalization, critical value determination, target interval of optimal SPL determination, and modification of SPL and mapping. Our findings suggest that biological activities and natural phenomena are potential drivers for diurnal variation of soundscapes, especially tidal phenomena contributing water and shipping soundscapes. Our results also suggest that all the high values of perceived soundscapes were found at the southwest corner of the study area, which includes both riverside and urban forest elements. Furthermore, we suggest combining both optimal soundscape and SPL correction maps to aid in sustainable design in urban forests. This can contribute to the understanding and methodology of soundscape map optimization in urban forests when proposing suitable design plans and conservation of territorial sound.

Keywords: soundscape; urban forests; mapping; optimal process; China (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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