Influence of soundscape in the experience of an urban area: a case study in Rome

Over the last years several studies have demonstrated how same environment can lead to different perceptual outcomes if surrounding sounds change. Soundscape promote a user-centred approach for characterization and management of acoustic environments in cities. There are available protocols gather data about people experience soundscapes urban areas, most common tool is “soundwalk”, procedure where group walks stops at given locations order assess environment, using some sound-related attributes (e.g., calm, pleasant, vibrant, chaotic, etc.). This research aims evaluating influence that conditions together with specific environmental ones induce on pedestrians’ perception. In particular, analysis was carried out within an artistically significant culturally relevant district characterized by traffic conditions, such as archaeological area Colosseum Rome. For this purpose, soundwalk combined sound levels measurement campaign organised outside Colosseum, during daytime night time students applying Method A ISO/TS 12913-2:2018, which addresses soundscape collection. The results show correlations between subjective responses measured they vary changes, both terms acoustical characteristics ones.