ASSESSING AND CHARACTERIZING THE SOUNDSCAPE IN URBAN PARKS: VIRTUAL SOUNDWALK APPROACH TO ASSESS THE IMPACT OF SOUNDSCAPE ON PERCEPTION AND WELLBEING

Abstract

The auditory and acoustic environment is a relatively unnoticed yet critical component of the urban environment planning. Urbanization's increasing population density and variety of social roles result in a more complicated and healthy environment in which humans dwell. The urban park, as a vital multipurpose service area, is often used as a buffer against urban noise pollution. The evaluation of the acoustic environment of the urban parks may assist park users and planners in gaining a better knowledge of the park environment's health. this study suggests solutions to acoustic environment issues, suggesting ways of merging different methods and tools such as Virtual reality, biofeedback, measurement and soundscape assessment tools to bridge the literature gap, contribute to academia practice and spur a generation of professionalism on design and management of park’s acoustic climates.