BEYOND NOISE: A methodology for evaluating soundscape quality through binaural recordings and a proposed acoustic quality index

• Grant number: 25/00250-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• Start date: August 01, 2025
• End date: January 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Applied Social Sciences - Architecture and Town Planning - Architecture and Urbanism Technology
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Marques Monteiro
• Grantee: Lucas Rafael Ferreira
• Supervisor: Antonio Carvalho
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Arquitetura e Urbanismo (FAU). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Universidade do Porto (UP), Portugal
• Associated to the scholarship: 21/14221-5 - Method for identification of soundscape quality by auditory assessment through binaural recordings of different environments, BP.DR

Abstract

Urban landscapes have been significantly impacted by anthropogenic interventions, leading to profound effects on quality of life, particularly due to increased noise levels. Exposure to unwanted sounds directly affects environmental perception and human health, causing adverse effects ranging from psychological discomfort to severe physical problems. In this context, this study hypothesizes that it is possible to identify and classify the sound quality of urban parks through an acoustic quality index. Despite advancements in soundscape research, gaps remain between descriptors and indicators, particularly in the field of psychoacoustics. Thus, the proposed methodology combines integrated techniques, including acoustic measurements, binaural recordings, and subjective questionnaires, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the sound environment. The approach focuses on defining an acoustic quality index that will allow for the classification of urban parks based on both objective and subjective parameters. The results from this analysis will be crucial for understanding the qualitative aspects of the environment and proposing improvements that positively impact users' sound experiences. Furthermore, the application of the index can guide the management and planning of urban spaces, fostering healthier and more harmonious environments for the population. This study, therefore, aims to make a significant contribution to the field of environmental acoustics and to establish the importance of soundscape planning as an essential element in promoting quality of life in urban areas. (AU)