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The effects of activity-related contexts on individual sound exposures: A time–geographic approach to soundscape studies

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  • Lirong Kou

    (Sun Yat-Sen University, China)

  • Mei-Po Kwan

    (Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong)

  • Yanwei Chai

Abstract

Noise is an ever-growing problem in cities. Conventional noise mitigation approaches may not necessarily control noise pollution, since whether a sound is perceived as noise is largely influenced by its specific contexts. Based on an activity-centric framework, this study examines the effects of activity-related contexts and measured sound levels based on individuals’ sound evaluations as they undertake daily activities at different geographic locations and times. Data for the study were collected from 33 participants in Chicago (USA) using Global Positioning System-equipped mobile phones, portable sound sensors, and activity diaries. Multilevel logistic modeling was used to examine the relationships among measured sound levels, sound evaluations, and activity-related contexts for each recorded activity of the participants. The results indicate that activity-related contexts significantly influence individuals’ sound evaluations as they perform their daily activities. When activity-related contexts are taken into account, the measured sound levels that individuals experienced when performing an activity are no longer significant in influencing their sound evaluations. These results support the notion that sound is not only a physical feature but also a socio-psychological construct. It is crucial to adopt a human-centric and context-aware approach in urban planning through understanding the circumstances in which a sound is perceived as noise. Such an approach would help improve sound-related urban environments and construct livable and healthy cities.

Suggested Citation

  • Lirong Kou & Mei-Po Kwan & Yanwei Chai, 2021. "The effects of activity-related contexts on individual sound exposures: A time–geographic approach to soundscape studies," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 48(7), pages 2073-2092, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:48:y:2021:i:7:p:2073-2092
    DOI: 10.1177/2399808320965243
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Su Wang & Huaidong He & Fulong Li & Qingqing Xiao, 2023. "A Study on the Soundscape of Underground Commercial Space in Lu’an City and Hefei City, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(3), pages 1-17, January.
    2. Kan, Zihan & Kwan, Mei-Po & Liu, Dong & Tang, Luliang & Chen, Yang & Fang, Mengyuan, 2022. "Assessing individual activity-related exposures to traffic congestion using GPS trajectory data," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    3. Yanlong Guo & Xuemei Jiang & Linfu Zhang & Han Zhang & Zuoqing Jiang, 2022. "Effects of Sound Source Landscape in Urban Forest Park on Alleviating Mental Stress of Visitors: Evidence from Huolu Mountain Forest Park, Guangzhou," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(22), pages 1-22, November.

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