The positive soundscape project : a synthesis of results from many disciplines

Davies, WJ; Adams, MD; Bruce, NS; Marselle, M; Cain, R; Jennings, P; Poxon, J; Carlyle, A; Cusack, P; Hall, DA; Irwin, A; Hulme, KI; Plack, CJ

Abstract

This paper takes an overall view of ongoing findings from the Positive Soundscape Project, a large inter-disciplinary soundscapes study which is nearing completion. Qualitative fieldwork (soundwalks and focus groups) and lab-based listening tests have revealed that two key dimensions of the emotional response are calmness and vibrancy. In the lab these factors explain nearly 80% of the variance in listener response. Physiological validation is being sought using fMRI measurements, and these have so far shown significant differences in the response of the brain to affective and neutral soundscapes. A conceptual framework which links the key soundscape components and which could be used for future design is outlined. Metrics are suggested for some perceptual scales and possibilities for soundscape synthesis for design and user engagement are discussed, as are the applications of the results to future research and environmental noise policy.

Citation

Davies, W., Adams, M., Bruce, N., Marselle, M., Cain, R., Jennings, P., …Plack, C. (2009, August). The positive soundscape project : a synthesis of results from many disciplines. Presented at Internoise 2009, Ottawa, Canada

• Presentation Conference Type: Other
• Conference Name: Internoise 2009
• Conference Location: Ottawa, Canada
• Start Date: Aug 23, 2009
• End Date: Aug 26, 2009
• Publication Date: Aug 23, 2009
• Deposit Date: Jun 18, 2009
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 18, 2009
• Related Public URLs: http://www.internoise2009.com/; http://www.positivesoundscapes.org/
• Additional Information: Event Type : Conference; Funders : Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC); Projects : The positive soundscape project