Applying the methods of image evaluation and spatial analysis to study the sound environment of urban street areas

One important aspect of the urban environment is its sound environment, in which the sound environment of street areas plays a significant role. In this research, we employed methods of subjective image evaluation and spatial analysis of soundscape formation, in studying the sound environments of urban street areas. In Saga City, Japan, we analysed the structure and main sound components of urban street areas, as well as the sound pressure levels through on-site investigation. Through image evaluation, we obtained people's ratings of each sound component in terms of "preference" and "congruence". Simultaneously, we interviewed people on site for their evaluation of the sound environment using semantic differential profiles. Lastly, we performed a spatial analysis of the site, identifying the different types of street sound environment and their characteristics using cluster analysis, as well as noting the interaction of auditory image and visual factors. The methods presented by this research can help us understand the sound environment of urban street areas more comprehensively and vividly, and to point out a unique direction in the research of urban sound environment as well as the planning of urban street areas. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.