Physical and perceptual dimensions of open urban spaces in Biskra, Algeria

Abstract

The sound dimension is a constitutive element of the architectural, urban, and environmental projects of open spaces. In combination with other physical stimuli, such as vision, thermoigrometric conditions, odors, the sound can contribute to fulfill the expectation and it can improve the well being of the citizens who are the users of these spaces. Many researches attempted to find out correlation between quantitative multisensorial physical features of open spaces and subjective qualitative evaluation by users. In many cases these attempts were successful, however few researches considered specifically special categories such as older citizens or visually impaired citizens. In order to receive information to make the sensory urban architecture approach more inclusive as possible, in this preliminary study several relevant urban sites such as gardens, main streets and open markets in the city of the Biskra in Algeria have been characterized in terms of physical properties and in these sites, through specific surveys, the response of users was collected. Among the users, different categories of citizens with specific needs were contemplated for the subjective assessment.

Evaluation of the soundscapes through the cafe terraces before and after the COVID-19 lockdown in coastal cities in Algeria

“…The authors are aware that subjective measurements have important potential in the soundscape evaluation, 73 in parallel with measurements of the different physical dimensions of the acoustic environment. 74 , 75 Therefore, future research should focus on the subjective and objective investigation of long-term soundscape evaluation to preserve and improve the cultural soundscapes of different urban spaces in Algeria, taking into account, as a lesson, the negative effects of COVID-19 on the environment and public health in general, and its effect on substantial cultural, political and urban design changes, especially that COVID-19 will not be the last virus that will strike our cities. 76 …”

“…This translation may be useful for the future studies of the researchers who are engaged in the translation of the soundscape attributes such as the international network of soundscape researchers constituting from different regions of the world which were established under the name of "Soundscape Attributes Translation Project" (SATP) and started its activity by the first group of collaborators in 2019 in a first stage with the expertise by a considerable geographical distribution, covering 15 different languages, 71 where the attributes translated by the SATP group was carried out mainly based on the study of the soundscape attributes identified by Axelsson et al 72 The authors are aware that subjective measurements have important potential in the soundscape evaluation, 73 in parallel with measurements of the different physical dimensions of the acoustic environment. 74,75 Therefore, future research should focus on the subjective and objective investigation of long-term soundscape evaluation to preserve and improve the cultural soundscapes of different urban spaces in Algeria, taking into account, as a lesson, the negative effects of COVID-19 on the environment and public health in general, and its effect on substantial cultural, political and urban design changes, especially that COVID-19 will not be the last virus that will strike our cities. 76…”

Assessment of Sighted and Visually Impaired Users to the Physical and Perceptual Dimensions of an Oasis Settlement Urban Park

“…[17]. However, few have investigated specific categories [18], such as aged park users or the visually impaired.…”

Exploring the Multisensory Interaction between Luminous, Thermal and Auditory Environments through the Spatial Promenade Experience: A Case Study of a University Campus in an Oasis Settlement

“…This poorly controlled urbanization strategy will also cause the disappearance of Algerian oases' calm and tranquility [11]. In line with the United Nations Sustainability Goal 11, which aims to make human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable, and as the role of multisensory perception of the surrounding environment has become a universally recognized reality [12,13], it is essential to seize the opportunity of investigating these oases' built environments both in terms of architectural and urban spaces, especially since understanding the complex interaction between human perception and the physical environment of the oasis remains a challenge, given the lack of knowledge in the scientific literature.…”