Effects of Sound Perception in Square Design

Abstract

Public spaces contribute to their psychological and mental well-being by enabling people to interact socially with others. Public squares have a social communication purpose by enabling people from different social, cultural and economic levels to come together in a common area. Squares are spaces open to everyone with different belongings and different social perspectives. This social interaction allows people to perceive others, themselves and the environment. Surrounded by other structures, these spaces have a balancing function in today's crowded and congested urban fabric. These urban voids function as an intersection connecting roads and areas. In addition, squares should provide the functions of people to see, be seen, relax and communicate with others. Therefore, it is important to consider the user-attracting effects and environmental conditions of the squares. Although auditory perception has weaker information than visual perception, it is richer in emotion. In addition to natural and cultural data, soundscape perception data should also be considered in the design of the square. In this study, the effects of sound on square users are investigated. Sound types with positive and negative effects were examined. Design recommendations have been developed to eliminate the negative effects of sound.