Soundscape assessment in urban parks

A case study in Villa-Lobos Park, São Paulo

Abstract

Soundscape studies analyze the impact of the auditory environment on human perception and well-being. This study evaluated the soundscape of Villa-Lobos Park, a concession area, discussing how sounds influence spatial perception. The methodology followed five steps, including data collection based on the urban soundscape characterization protocol from the Soundscape Indices (SSID) project. Measurements were conducted at three points: Point 1 recorded an LAeq of 60 dB, point 2 measured 59.7 dB, and Point 3 registered 53.7 dB. The results were synthesized into qualitative and quantitative graphs, highlighting variables such as sound adequacy and intensity, as well as psychoacoustic dimensions. The park's status as a concession area limited access to various zones, restricting measurements and compromising data representativeness. This limitation highlights a potential neglect by concessionaires in prioritizing fundamental aspects of human well-being in space management.