Assessing the impact of landscape context on soundscape quality in multifunctional urban open spaces

This study demonstrates the critical role of landscape contextual factors in shaping the acoustic environment and investigates their influences on soundscape quality of microscale functional open spaces in densely populated cities. Specifically, this study aims to reveal the impacts of microscale functional space types, their interactions with specific types of ongoing activities or events, greenery and visual openness on soundscape quality evaluations. To achieve a more comprehensive understanding, panoramic images from a pedestrian perspective were recorded alongside subjective responses collected during soundwalks, advancing the traditional soundwalk methodology integrating objective visual metrics. Microscale functional space type was found to greatly alter perceptions and soundscape evaluations. This effect is particularly pronounced when sound types harmonize with specific functional spaces, resulting in a markedly better soundscape experience. For instance, children playing sounds in play areas enhance vibrancy and improve soundscape quality, while the rustling of leaves in sitting-out areas enhances the overall soundscape quality. Visual openness, encompassing sky view and open area size, is also identified as a crucial factor in shaping the soundscape quality in compact urban open spaces. Its positive impact is as important as greenery visibility, but its net influence is significantly smaller compared to aural factors. Above all, landscape contextual factors mitigate the adverse effects of noise and enhance natural sound perception, balancing the asymmetry between positive and negative sound impacts. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating microscale functional space design, visual landscape, and sound source management to enhance soundscape quality of multifunctional space. • Microscale functional space type greatly altered perceptions and soundscape quality. • Soundscape quality in distinct functional spaces changed with certain sounds. • A wide view was as significant as greenery in a compact city. • Impact of landscape contextual factors was smaller compared to aural factors. • Landscape context balanced asymmetry between positive and negative sound impacts.