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Towards an Urban Vibrancy Model: A Soundscape Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Francesco Aletta

    (UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London (UCL), Central House, 14 Upper Woburn Place, London WC1H 0NN, UK)

  • 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)

Abstract

Soundscape research needs to develop predictive tools for environmental design. A number of descriptor-indicator(s) models have been proposed so far, particularly for the “tranquility” dimension to manage “quiet areas” in urban contexts. However, there is a current lack of models addressing environments offering actively engaging soundscapes, i.e., the “vibrancy” dimension. The main aim of this study was to establish a predictive model for a vibrancy descriptor based on physical parameters, which could be used by designers and practitioners. A group interview was carried out to formulate a hypothesis on what elements would be influential for vibrancy perception. Afterwards, data on vibrancy perception were collected for different locations in the UK and China through a laboratory experiment and their physical parameters were used as indicators to establish a predictive model. Such indicators included both aural and visual parameters. The model, based on Roughness, Presence of People, Fluctuation Strength, Loudness and Presence of Music as predictors, explained 76% of the variance in the mean individual vibrancy scores. A statistically significant correlation was found between vibrancy scores and eventfulness scores, but not between vibrancy scores and pleasantness scores. Overall results showed that vibrancy is contextual and depends both on the soundscape and on the visual scenery.

Suggested Citation

  • Francesco Aletta & Jian Kang, 2018. "Towards an Urban Vibrancy Model: A Soundscape Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:15:y:2018:i:8:p:1712-:d:162997
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Shan Shu & Hui Ma, 2019. "Restorative Effects of Classroom Soundscapes on Children’s Cognitive Performance," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-15, January.
    2. Jiaxi Yang & Hong Lu, 2022. "Visualizing the Knowledge Domain in Urban Soundscape: A Scientometric Analysis Based on CiteSpace," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-18, October.
    3. Daniel Steele & Edda Bild & Cynthia Tarlao & Catherine Guastavino, 2019. "Soundtracking the Public Space: Outcomes of the Musikiosk Soundscape Intervention," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-38, May.
    4. Francesco Aletta & Jian Kang, 2019. "Promoting Healthy and Supportive Acoustic Environments: Going beyond the Quietness," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-4, December.
    5. Shilun Zhang & Xiaolong Zhao & Zixi Zeng & Xuan Qiu, 2019. "The Influence of Audio-Visual Interactions on Psychological Responses of Young People in Urban Green Areas: A Case Study in Two Parks in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-14, May.
    6. Yuan Lai & Jiatong Li & Jiachen Zhang & Lan Yan & Yifeng Liu, 2022. "Do Vibrant Places Promote Active Living? Analyzing Local Vibrancy, Running Activity, and Real Estate Prices in Beijing," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(24), pages 1-19, December.
    7. Karmele Herranz-Pascual & Itziar Aspuru & Ioseba Iraurgi & Álvaro Santander & Jose Luis Eguiguren & Igone García, 2019. "Going beyond Quietness: Determining the Emotionally Restorative Effect of Acoustic Environments in Urban Open Public Spaces," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(7), pages 1-20, April.
    8. Beat Schäffer & Reto Pieren & Kurt Heutschi & Jean Marc Wunderli & Stefan Becker, 2021. "Drone Noise Emission Characteristics and Noise Effects on Humans—A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-27, June.
    9. Marcus Hedblom & Bengt Gunnarsson & Martin Schaefer & Igor Knez & Pontus Thorsson & Johan N. Lundström, 2019. "Sounds of Nature in the City: No Evidence of Bird Song Improving Stress Recovery," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-12, April.
    10. Francesco Aletta & Tin Oberman & Jian Kang, 2018. "Associations between Positive Health-Related Effects and Soundscapes Perceptual Constructs: A Systematic Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-15, October.

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