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dc.contributorDepartment of Building Environment and Energy Engineeringen_US
dc.contributor.advisorHou, Cynthia (BEEE)en_US
dc.creatorFu, Jiahui-
dc.identifier.urihttps://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14109-
dc.languageEnglishen_US
dc.publisherHong Kong Polytechnic Universityen_US
dc.rightsAll rights reserveden_US
dc.titleAssess the impact of audio-visual factors on perceptions of urban noise : utilizing virtual reality technologyen_US
dcterms.abstractThis study investigates the impact of audio-visual factors on pedestrians' perceptions of urban noise pollution in high-density environments, utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology to simulate realistic auditory-visual scenarios. Focused on the interplay between natural sounds (birdsong, rustling leaves) and visual elements (vegetation coverage, spatial openness), the research employed a controlled experimental design featuring six Hong Kong roadside sites with consistent traffic noise levels but varying green visibility and openness ratios. Participants (n = 45) evaluated 30 sound-visual combinations — comprising unaltered traffic noise (control) and natural sounds at distinct signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs: birdsong at 0 dB/-6 dB; leaf rustling at -6 dB/-12 dB)—via immersive VR headsets and spatial audio systems. Subjective assessments of loudness, pleasantness, eventfulness, and landscape quality were collected using Likert-scale questionnaires, with data analyzed through ANOVA and post-hoc LSD tests. Results demonstrated that natural sounds significantly reduced perceived loudness compared to unmitigated traffic noise, with moderate SNR leaf rustling (-6 dB) exhibiting the strongest masking effect. Birdsong consistently enhanced pleasantness ratings irrespective of SNR, while auditory-visual interactions showed no significant influence on landscape or openness perceptions. These findings highlight the dominance of auditory factors in shaping urban soundscape evaluations and underscore the potential of strategically integrating natural sounds with visual elements to mitigate noise annoyance and improve acoustic comfort in urban planning.en_US
dcterms.extentvii, 29 pages : color illustrationsen_US
dcterms.isPartOfPolyU Electronic Thesesen_US
dcterms.issued2025en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelM.Eng.en_US
dcterms.educationalLevelAll Masteren_US
dcterms.accessRightsrestricted accessen_US

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Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14109