kwanscapes

soundscape studies and design

[kwanscapes]

0304 feedback and to-do

Illustrate project with map

Plot sound level measurements on map, possible to identify noise hotspots and how this affects quality of sound experience

Identification of quieter, isolated areas

[rexisky]

Affinity for the Wild by Sarah Janece Garcia | Motion Effects by rexisky

[kwanscapes]

motivational cat post

[kwanscapes]

2603 research photographic documentation (Bishan Park eateries) recording number and notes on location, time and SPL measurements in captions

[kwanscapes]

2603 research write-up

Place of study: Bishan Park eateries - Grub, McDonald’s, Canopy Dining (near Cornerstone) Bishan Park public areas - 2 sites away from eateries with high levels of human activity

Time of study: 26 March 2017 Sunday 1700 to 1900h

Measurements recorded: Sound Pressure Levels (SPL) - Ambient and maximum levels Soundscape recordings - Recordings taken (2 minutes to 8 minutes in duration) Qualification of data from recordings - Classification and categorisation Research aims:

Comparison of sound experiences at alfresco dining areas within the park (3/4 eateries)

Psycho-acoustic effects of overlays of nature soundscapes and servicescapes

Effect on dining experience and perceptions

Relation to purpose of visiting the park (i.e. human behaviour and activities)

Inferences on human behaviour (note down human traffic in the area, time of study affecting the soundscapes)

How do individuals and families perceive their dining experiences in the park and possibly compare it to experiences in normal shopping malls? Does anyone feel that the soundscapes of nature in a park should be protected?

Soundscape of Bishan Park: affected due to its location and spatial factors - long and narrow park flanked by HDB estates and the main roads, intrusion of human activity noises into the nature space. Fundamentally a man-made park

What implications does this have for the park experience? Is it still one of an escape away from the human world into nature? (as per Krause’s theories on the beauty of natural soundscapes and hi-fi acoustic environments) Or does the change in acoustic experience also affect the park experience (for this particular kind of park), and the way we perceive a neighbourhood park?

Desired further areas for research:

Interviews or surveys of dining experiences and perceptions, or level of awareness of nature sounds

Comparison across eateries - control for variable of human traffic?

Actually sit at alfresco areas (rather than outside) for more detailed recordings

Consider levels of human activity?

Compare to areas of the park with more nature sounds

Determine focus for research

Detailed notes from field: RECORDING (n) (time)h (location) ambient SPL: (x) peak SPL: (y) list of sounds

possible research areas, and other thoughts

RECORDING 1

1717h Behind Grub ambient SPL: 51.5 dBA 65.0 dBC peak SPL: 56.5 dBA 68.5 dBC

Music escapes from grub

Alfresco vs. inside dining experience

Experience of dining area whilst viewing nature through glass window

Investigate human traffic

Conduct interview or surveys on dining experience

RECORDING 2

1732h In front of Grub ambient SPL: 67 dBA peak SPL: 70 dBA 72 dBC

wind children running drone of exhaust from somewhere cutlery (occasional) distant bird noises (relatively constant) construction music (constant) - would you prefer to just listen to nature? (consumer and staff) conversation fan noise (regular) bicycle noise - gears (occasional) (outside alfresco area) alfresco not yet full, not yet peak period

RECORDING 3 0.5m away from exhaust ambient SPL: 67.0dBA 72dBC peak SPL: 68.0 dBA 73.0 dBC

fan noise regular still hear faint bird noises and distant sounds

other sensory experiences: smell of oil

RECORDING 4 1745 alfresco dining area of Grub ambient SPL: 59.0dBA 67.4 dBC peak SPL: 61.5 dBA 69.0 dBC nearer exhaust side, cutlery noises more crowded, alfresco (front) 60% full - this is the less crowded side

constant drone: fan noises exhaust rustling of leaves occasional: human noises dragging of chairs footsteps - on grass scooter (1746) running on pavement baby crying noise bicycle bell mosquito repellent machine constant fan noise music not as loud here, mostly conversation and cutlery shouting from afar (children) sun is setting, wind is relatively strong (not sure how strong - SPL measurements?)

RECORDING 5 human behaviour and activity family park family time - sunday wedding shoot kiteflying nearer to bishan mrt side - hear train coming etc (tracks, distant, occasional) 48.5-57.0dBA 59.5-69.5dBC

RECORDING 6

music from macs dragging of chairs (happens quite often) crying babies peak 68.5dBA 69.0dBC ambient 62.5-66.0dBC 55.5-67.0dBA (when children ran across) vibrancy (outside macs area (outside alfresco area)) peak hour begins (dinner time and post activity meal) bird noises still perceptible as only indication of being in a park (overwhelming noise of human activity) --> investigate from the surroundings?

several species of birds (constant chirping, occasional squawks) bells ringing

(next session: investigate at alfresco area itself) max: 72.5dBA 70.0dBC 74.0dBC

lower level of proximity to actual joint RECORDING 7 closer to river, but also bridge

still can hear more human noise than nature noises about 10m away from the food joint - music is very loud as well as chatter (investigate how far away the noises of restaurant activity can be heard from?) short 2 minute recording

RECORDING 8 1846h generally peak hour BUT doesn't draw as great a crowd (at least not today) Exhaust area behind Canopy dining 61.0dBA 69.5 dBC 2.5m away from aircon exhaust vent similar to grub, has music for ambience (more high-class feel?) music can be heard from surroundings like behind the cafe)

RECORDING 9

right outside the canopy/cornerstone area ambulance noise from road barking noises of dog still not alfresco area yet lots of clanking of silverware (utensils bc outside, their washing area, sorting) (could draw map of areas where recordings were taken?) lots of slipper noises road noises less park feels

(should compare to park?) More noise and a bar behind

RECORDING 10 and 11 (same area, closer to music source)

73.5dBA children shouting 88.0dBA dog barking (2m proximity) ambient 60.0dBA 72.0 dBC 1859h

inside area 95-100% full outside 30% including bar area (10m away) constant music bag, woman’s heels, camera

(peak at 3:04 because of dog barking) clanking of glasses for water outside alfresco area!!

RECORDING 12 FINAL RECORDING FOR THE DAY proximity to road / hdb as well as playground (abt equidistant 30-50m estimated) proximity to pathway (<1m) louder cricket noises cicadas but still loud road noises more sensory experiences of park (smell etc)

[kwanscapes]

brainstorming

Initial ideas for places of study:

Everton Park

Coffee shop, or cafe

Busy periods

Coffee shop and cafe comparisons, service scapes and quality

Sitting area and reflexology path outside Nylon Coffee and At the Myo (popular, have many regular customers), fluctuations throughout the day and neighborhood mood changes

Outside Grub or McDonalds in Bishan Park, layers of sounds

Traffic

Fluctuations throughout the day, marrying dining and nature for an urban park experience

Requires strict typology for coding of collected research

Recordings, survey research or interviews for perceptions

Psychoacoustics of the area

Constructed park

Research references:

Designing the Urban Soundscape

The Soundscape - Schafer

Acoustic Communication

Sound perception in multimodal environments

Restaurant Customers’ Perceptions of Noise and Their Satisfaction and Loyalty Behaviors

Effects of Sound Pressure Levels and Sensitivity to Noise on Mood and Behavioral Intent

Possible study presentations:

Report on Soundscape characteristics

Justify typology chosen and criteria for classification (theoretical underpinnings) and annotation

Recordings:

Sound pressure levels

Classification

Highest levels and lowest levels

Multimedia presentation

Photographs and sound experience

Environment studies, layers, time changes through the day