Ordinary sonic public space. Sound perception parameters in urban public spaces and sonic representations associated with urban forms

Abstract

The research referred to in the article concerns the factors influencing the perception of ordinary sonic public space and everyday sounds. Sound perception parameters, such as vegetation or sound sources, are analysed in urban public spaces. This research, which is based on my PhD project, tries to understand how urban people perceive their sonic environment and try to contribute to sonic ambiance knowledge. The research is based on a qualitative investigation conducted among 29 people. It is, on the one hand, based on questionnaires and focus groups in situ and, on the other hand, on individual interviews (in-depth interviews, sonic mind maps), and it illustrates different parameters (temporal, spatial, sensitive and individual) that influence a person’s assessment of the sound environment. This qualitative investigation is correlated with acoustic measures in two seasons. The results show, among other things, the impact of vegetation and urban fittings on sonic perception, and they underline the influence of city planning and urban fittings on sound perception in public urban spaces.

Keywords

• sound perception
• public squares
• urban sounds
• sonic representations
• urban forms