Full metadata record
| DC Field | Value | Language |
|---|---|---|
| dc.contributor | Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Hou, Huiying (BEEE) | en_US |
| dc.contributor.advisor | Chau, Chi Kwan (BEEE) | en_US |
| dc.creator | Lin, Minqi | - |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14174 | - |
| dc.language | English | en_US |
| dc.publisher | Hong Kong Polytechnic University | en_US |
| dc.rights | All rights reserved | en_US |
| dc.title | Modelling soundscape in open space | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Open spaces are indispensable components of urban environments, playing a vital role in enhancing residents' quality of life and fostering social interaction. Among the various indicators for evaluating the quality of open spaces, soundscape quality is regarded as a critical dimension. Systematically assessing the soundscape quality of open spaces is particularly beneficial, as it enables a more comprehensive understanding of the multisensory nature of soundscape evaluation and the complexities of multifunctional zoning in compact urban areas. Therefore, this study aims to identify the key factors influencing soundscape quality and establish an integrated framework to systematically explore how multisensory and multifunctional factors collectively contribute to soundscape evaluation in open spaces. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | The development of the integrated framework began with the identification of the key factors influencing soundscape quality in urban open spaces. While prior research has consistently demonstrated the significant role of both objective physical attributes and subjective perceptions of auditory and visual factors in shaping soundscape evaluations, empirical investigations addressing the effects of micro-scale functional spaces and climatic factors (e.g., thermal conditions) remain insufficient. This research gap is particularly significant in compact cities located in hot regions, where thermal discomfort and spatial multifunctionality are common. To systematically examine their combined effects on soundscape quality, the study adopted a mixed-methods approach, incorporating questionnaire surveys, on-site measurements, soundwalks, and sound mapping across various functional spaces and under diverse audiovisual and thermal conditions. Preliminary bivariate correlation analyses, together with qualitative evaluations derived from sound maps, not only confirmed the influence of auditory and visual factors on soundscape quality but also identified micro-functional space and thermal conditions as key factors. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Based on the initially identified key factors, this study developed a path model to systematically validate and examine the direct and indirect effects of multisensory and multifunctional factors on soundscape quality within the integrated framework. The results revealed significant interactions among auditory, visual, and thermal environmental factors. Notably, pleasantness, visual quality, and thermal acceptability were all found to exert significant and positive influences on soundscape evaluation. Perceived dominance of traffic noise not only directly decreased soundscape quality but also intensified thermal discomfort, thereby further decreased soundscape quality. Furthermore, children's play activities in playgrounds were found to markedly enhance soundscape pleasantness. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | To deeply understand the influence of microscale functional spaces within the integrated framework, an ordered logistic regression model was also developed based on soundwalk investigations. The primary objective of this model was to examine whether different microscale functional spaces and their associated activities exert a significant influence on soundscape evaluations, and to assess their relative importance in comparison with widely acknowledged auditory and visual factors. The analysis demonstrated that microscale functional spaces play a significant role in shaping soundscape quality, although their relative impact was found to be weaker than that of auditory and visual factors, with an approximate relative influence ratio of 1:3. In addition, the model confirmed the path model finding that children's play activities in playgrounds significantly enhance the vibrancy and pleasantness of the soundscape. It also deepened the understanding of how micro-functional spaces influence soundscape perception, showing that mechanical noise in sitting-out areas significantly reduces soundscape quality, whereas natural sounds such as rustling leaves contribute positively in these contexts. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | Although the path model and the ordered logistic regression effectively revealed the causal relationships and relative importance, their analyses were primarily based on linear assumptions. This limited their capacity to capture nonlinear variations arising from sensory thresholds and complex cross-modal interactions. To address these limitations and further enhance the practical applicability of the integrated framework, this study employed explainable machine learning techniques. Specifically, an Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) algorithm combined with SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was used to develop a more flexible and interpretable prediction model. The results revealed that A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq), perceived road traffic noise, greenery percentage, and Physiological Equivalent Temperature (PET) are the key factors of predicting soundscape quality. Moreover, the analysis revealed significant nonlinear interaction effects, particularly between sound and thermal conditions, which had a significant impact on soundscape evaluation. The successfully constructed machine learning model validated the effectiveness of the integrated framework and provided deep understanding of the impact of key factors on soundscape. | en_US |
| dcterms.abstract | This study's unique contribution lies in the development of a comprehensive framework for understanding how multisensory and multifunctional factors jointly influence the soundscape quality of open spaces. By integrating auditory, visual, and thermal factors with micro-functional space types, this framework not only advances the theoretical understanding of soundscapes but also provides practical tools for urban planners and designers to create high-quality soundscapes and open space. | en_US |
| dcterms.extent | xi, 140 pages : color illustrations | en_US |
| dcterms.isPartOf | PolyU Electronic Theses | en_US |
| dcterms.issued | 2025 | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | Ph.D. | en_US |
| dcterms.educationalLevel | All Doctorate | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Open spaces -- Psychological aspects | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | City planning -- Psychological aspects | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Auditory perception | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Space perception | en_US |
| dcterms.LCSH | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations | en_US |
| dcterms.accessRights | open access | en_US |
Copyright Undertaking
As a bona fide Library user, I declare that:
- I will abide by the rules and legal ordinances governing copyright regarding the use of the Database.
- I will use the Database for the purpose of my research or private study only and not for circulation or further reproduction or any other purpose.
- I agree to indemnify and hold the University harmless from and against any loss, damage, cost, liability or expenses arising from copyright infringement or unauthorized usage.
By downloading any item(s) listed above, you acknowledge that you have read and understood the copyright undertaking as stated above, and agree to be bound by all of its terms.
Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:
https://theses.lib.polyu.edu.hk/handle/200/14174