Investigating biophilic design and adaptive acoustic comfort in office spaces in the existence of indoor greenery, operable window, and road traffic noise

Abstract

This study examines how indoor greenery and operable windows influence the annoyance caused by road traffic noise in office spaces. While existing studies have explored how urban landscapes can reduce noise annoyance in residential areas, there is a gap in understanding the effects of indoor greenery in office environments. The present study utilized a structural equation model to analyze the cause-effect relationships concerning noise perception. Thirty-two combinations of greenery levels, window conditions, and traffic noise across four different sound pressure levels (50dBA–65 dBA) were evaluated. To explain noise perception, the model considered perceptual attributes like pleasantness, eventfulness, appropriateness, preference, and visual aesthetics. The results indicated that traffic noise level affects visual perception, and there is a two-way interaction between auditory and visual perceptions. These findings advocate for incorporating biophilic design to create visually appealing and acoustically pleasant office spaces. Moreover, the study emphasized the positive influence of open windows on the perceived appropriateness of traffic noise resulting in less annoyance. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights to discussions on creating adaptive acoustic comfort in naturally ventilated spaces and enhancing visual aesthetics through biophilic design to mitigate noise annoyance in office environments effectively.