The perception of soundscapes in urban parks has been closely examined. A collaboration between VR-Lab and Sara Payne, a visiting scholar from Surrey University.
In a collaboration between VR-Lab and Sara Payne, a visiting scholar from Surrey University, the perception of soundscapes in urban parks has been closely examined. Urban parks serve as vital components in fostering healthy and sustainable cities, offering urban dwellers an escape into nature amidst the bustling metropolis.
While visually immersive, urban parks may not always provide the auditory respite one would expect. The ambient sounds of the surrounding city can infiltrate these sanctuaries, potentially diminishing their restorative qualities. Understanding this dynamic, the study utilized a virtual reality laboratory to assess the perceived restorativeness and noise annoyance within urban park soundscapes.
Participants engaged in a unique virtual experience, strolling through a city street before entering an urban park. They then spent a few minutes immersed in the park environment before exiting. Throughout this journey, participants were exposed to either no sound or one of two crafted soundscapes featuring a blend of natural elements and urban traffic noises.
The study aimed to evaluate participants' experiences, focusing on the perceived restorativeness of the environment/soundscape and any associated noise annoyance. The findings of this research shed light on the intricate relationship between restoration and annoyance in urban park settings.
To delve deeper into the study's outcomes and insights, we invite you to explore the full publication here. Discover how this research contributes to our understanding of creating truly restorative urban environments amidst the bustling cityscape.