Urban Acoustic Environments - An Acoustic Model for Total Distraction Coefficient

摘要

In this paper we propose an acoustical model which quantifies how much a certain acoustic environment affects human concentration and daily activities. For developing the model an analysis has been made of four different urban acoustic environments both in objective (loudness, loudness growth rate and sharpness) and subjective (measuring the time-variations of human volunteers' distraction) parameters which are then combined into a numerical parameter (Total Distraction Coefficient) using linear regression. Finally, a model has been tested on the fifth recorded and unanalyzed acoustic environment and proven its application. This model can be applied to other recorded acoustic environments in terms of evaluating them, preserving them and also in designing new and more pleasant soundscapes for residents. Soundscape design is envisaged to be important aspect of future city planning. The proposed model may thus be a valuable guideline in soundscape design.