The main aim of this thesis is to establish a systematic framework for the soundscape
design considerations of urban public open spaces. With an aesthetic approach, the thesis
focuses on the essential characteristics of sound in the context of urban public open space,
as well as its interaction with people - users of public open space, and spaces - containers
of soundscape.
Through reviewing urban aesthetic theory, previous soundscape studies, relevant
environmental psychology theories, typological urban design, and computer simulation in
acoustics, a systematic methodology is set up for soundscape study in urban public open
spaces.
The core of this thesis is in two parts. Part I, `Soundscape by listening - field survey',
focuses on perception and evaluation of soundscape. Based on the field survey data, which
includes 9,200 questionnaire interviews, measurements, and observations of 14 case study
sites across Europe, it is proved that soundscape is an important aspect affecting people's
evaluation and behaviours in urban public open spaces. Acoustic comfort/pleasant
evaluation are more complicated than merely sound level evaluation. A lower background
sound level can lead to a systematic sound level evaluation improvement, whereas the
involvement of favourable sound elements and the feeling of dominance can dramatically
improve the acoustic comfort evaluation. Personal differences, especially in cultural
background and age, have significant influences in soundscape evaluation.
Part II of the thesis, 'Soundscape by design', focuses on the designable part of soundscape,
spatial forms and sound elements. Through the typological soundscape study, the
soundscape characteristics of different shaped, sized and opening conditioned urban
spaces are identified, from which many typologically classifiable forms can be created.
Analyses and suggestions are made for sound element design, including the creation of
active soundmarks and the design of passive soundmarks. The former relies upon on
suitable spatial forms and physical factors. The latter depends on specifically designed
landscape elements, such as fountains. As an example, fountains' spectrum and form are
described and analysed in depth.
It is expected that this thesis will be of practical value and will help to inform the design
process.