Urban soundscape categorization based on individual recognition, perception, and assessment of sound environments

This study proposes soundscape recognition models by clustering people based on differences in sound source perceptions. We investigated the effect of sound source identification differences on urban soundscape perception by categorizing people’s environmental sound recognition in outdoor environments. Virtual reality technology employing audio-visual stimuli collected in various urban environments replicated actual environments. Fifty participants’ subjective responses regarding sound source identification, perceived affective quality (8 typical (ISO scale) and 116 extensive attributes (Swedish rating scale)), and overall quality were surveyed. Their categorizations by sound source identification were divided into three clusters: Cluster 1–Attentive to traffic noise and other noises, Cluster 2–Less attentive to the sound environment, and Cluster 3–Attentive to natural and human sounds. Even in identical spaces, participants identified different sound sources, as each cluster focused on different sounds. The soundscape perceptual components were derived differently for each cluster; Cluster 2 extracted additional perception dimensions, i.e., tranquil and relaxed soundscapes. The results showed that each sound source that received an attentive reaction had a positive effect on soundscape perception, showing that appropriate human activities can be encouraged to improve relaxation via soundscape enhancements. The overall quality assessment by cluster revealed similar results, but the resulting indicators’ effects varied. The study’s different soundscape recognition models for each cluster, based on the relationship between soundscape indicators and descriptors, present a new perspective for interpreting urban soundscape perception and can also be used effectively in urban planning design.