Effects of Acoustic Perception on Outdoor Thermal Comfort in Campus Open Spaces in China’s Cold Region

Abstract

To explore the effects of acoustic perception on outdoor thermal comfort, acoustic perception in five typical open spaces in a campus in China’s cold region with common soundscapes was evaluated by using meteorological measures, sound level devices, and a questionnaire survey. Eight adjectives were used to evaluate an individual’s acoustic perception, and the physiological equivalent temperature (PET) was selected as a thermal index. The correlations between acoustic perception and thermal comfort in these typical open spaces were further analyzed. We demonstrated that: (1) Acoustic sensation and comfort varied significantly among sound types (STPs). Respondents reported pleasant perceptions of broadcasting music, running water and birdsong, and wind (a gentle breeze) and insects. (2) Although there was no significant difference in the thermal sensation vote (TSV), we found large differences in the thermal comfort vote (TCV) among STPs. (3) The respondents’ neutral PET (NPET) varied among STPs. In autumn, the ranked order of NPET was machines > running water and birdsong > crowds > broadcasting music > wind (a gentle breeze) and insects. In winter, the order of the NPET was machines > wind (a gentle breeze) and insects > crowds > broadcasting music > running water and birdsong. (4) When people perceived “acoustic comfort”, their TSV improved, and vice versa.

Exploring the Multi-Sensory Coupling Relationship of Open Space on a Winter Campus

“…Sound type could not significantly influence subjective thermal sensation and could dramatically influence thermal comfort (Appendix E). Differences in the Thermal Sensation Vote (TSV) between voice types were insignificant, and voice type could significantly influence the Thermal Comfort Vote (TCV), a finding consistent with previous studies [20,45]. This may be because different sound types affect people's acoustic comfort, and thus, their thermal comfort, e.g., cheerful sounds (nature sounds or meaningful radio sounds) can make people experience better thermal comfort [45].…”

“…Students are the primary users of campus outdoor spaces, and enhancing the comfort of campus spaces can directly affect their well-being [44]. Most studies on the perception and comfort of campus outdoor space are two-factor interactions [14,[45][46][47][48], and there is a lack of exploration of the combined effects of multiple perceptions [49,50]. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the relationship between thermal comfort, acoustic comfort, and visual comfort in campus spaces to improve students' satisfaction with campus outdoor spaces and promote healthy living.…”

Acoustic Quality of the External Environment: Indications on Questionnaire Structure for Investigating Subjective Perception

“…Thermal comfort also affects the perception of acoustic comfort outdoors. In a study [56], the relationship between acoustic perception and thermal comfort was analysed, and it was found that people experienced higher thermal comfort with natural sounds and meaningful sound (broadcasting music). The authors found that satisfying thermal sensation was perceived when people were acoustically comfortable, while low thermal comfort was a consequence of acoustic discomfort.…”

A Comparative Analysis of Outdoor Thermal Comfort Indicators Applied in China and Other Countries

“…Secondly, research on the application of outdoor thermal comfort indicators also explores the impact of multi-factor coupling on outdoor thermal comfort. For example, the combination of environmental parameters and clothing index affects outdoor thermal comfort [108], and the perception of the acoustic-thermal environment impacts outdoor thermal comfort [214,215].…”