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Scale-Dependent Relationships Between Urban Morphology and Noise Perception: A Multi-Scale Spatiotemporal Analysis in New York City

Author

Listed:
  • Siting Chen

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Bingjie Yu

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Guang Shi

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Yiping Cai

    (School of Public Administration, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Yanyu Wang

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

  • Pingge He

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu 611756, China)

Abstract

Urban morphology significantly influences residents’ noise perceptions, yet the impact across different spatial and temporal scales remains unclear. This study investigates the scale-dependent relationship between urban morphology and noise perception in New York City using noise complaint rates (NCR) as a proxy for perceived noise levels. A multi-scale analysis framework was applied, including four spatial scales (100 m, 200 m, 500 m, and 1000 m) and three temporal classifications (daytime/nighttime/dawn, weekdays/weekends, and seasonal divisions). Statistical analyses, including Spearman correlation, Moran’s I test, and Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR), examined spatiotemporal heterogeneity. Results show: (1) NCR and urban morphology indicators vary significantly across spatial and temporal aggregations. (2) Correlations between NCR and urban morphology indicators generally strengthen with larger spatial units, revealing a scale effect. Temporal variations, e.g., residential land ratio (RES) and greenery percentage (SVI Green), show stronger correlations with NCR in summer than in winter. (3) The Moran’s I index revealed significant spatial clustering at the 1000 m scale. Multi-temporal GWR analysis revealed spatial variations in urban morphology-noise relationships across different temporal contexts; in residential areas, building density exacerbates complaints more during non-working periods than during working hours. This study enhances understanding of urban sound environments, offering insights required for more precise urban planning policies.

Suggested Citation

  • Siting Chen & Bingjie Yu & Guang Shi & Yiping Cai & Yanyu Wang & Pingge He, 2025. "Scale-Dependent Relationships Between Urban Morphology and Noise Perception: A Multi-Scale Spatiotemporal Analysis in New York City," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-32, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:3:p:476-:d:1599404
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Qu, Fei & Kang, Jian, 2017. "Effects of built environment morphology on wind turbine noise exposure at building façades," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 107(C), pages 629-638.
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