Traffic Noise Influence on Soundscape Quality At Campus Landscape Area

Campuses located in urban areas are prone to issues such as high traffic and noise pollution which can affect both the indoor and outdoor learning environments. Environmental experiences involving the perception of positive and negative sounds relate to the study of soundscape. This paper presents a soundscape assessment using two physical approaches of site observation and sound measurement. Two landscape areas in University of Malaya (UM) campus were selected: the parcourse area (Site I) and the water feature area (Site II). The objectives are to investigate the level of sound quality and to identify the connection between the soundscape and the landscape elements. During site observation, the human sound of Site I, water sound of Site II and vehicular sounds characterize the selected sites. Both sites sound pressure level were at 50 dBA and above during low traffic conditions, and a critical level of over 60 dBA during high traffic conditions. This current sound level exceeded the permissible level for institutions of 50 dBA by the Department of Environment. Sounds generated by the water feature and from human activities do influence the soundscape during low traffic period but insignificant during high traffic period. It is important to take into consideration on the factor of location, surrounding context, landscape elements and vegetation when creating a landscape area for the community in the campus. It is hoped that the findings will provide fundamental data for future improvement and development of UM campus‟ landscape areas.