The Soundscape Perception in Urban Parks: A Review

The ongoing process of urbanization has resulted in a growing global population residingin urban areas. However, rapid urbanization has led to a reduction or even disappearanceof spatial variations between desired and undesired sounds. Consequently, thecharacteristics of urban areas where individuals can find temporary relief from urbanstressors, such as noise, may undergo changes or become increasingly scarce. Sound iswidely recognized for its impact on environmental aesthetics, social behavior, as well ashealth and cognitive abilities. Extensive research indicates that urban sound significantlyaffects the health and well-being of city dwellers, consequently influencing theirutilization and appreciation of public spaces. The soundscape plays a pivotal role inshaping our daily lives and overall well-being through various means. However,comprehending the intricate relationship between individuals and their soundscapes in thecontext of urban environments, with their countless and diverse sensory stimuli, presentsa formidable challenge. What people hear in public spaces and how they evaluate thoseauditory experiences in relation to their current or intended activities can significantlyimpact their engagement with these spaces, as well as their assessment of the suitabilityof public areas for their needs and expectations. The soundscape approach considerspeople's perception and preferences regarding environmental sounds, yet the specificindicators employed in soundscape studies can vary depending on their specificobjectives and contextual factors. Despite the paramount importance of soundscape andits preference in urban parks, this aspect remains largely unexplored. While landscapesare often intentionally designed, soundscapes are frequently neglected in the planningprocess. Drawing upon an analysis of ۶۳ journal papers, this paper provides a criticalreview of recent studies investigating the influence of urban parks on users' soundperception. The primary focus of this review centers on people's perceptions of thesoundscape within urban parks. Furthermore, in order to shed light on the underlyingmechanisms that shape soundscape evaluations, the influence of urban park soundscapesand recommendations for future research directions are also presented.