Speaker
Description
Soundscape studies allowed a broader understanding of how sound contributes positively to urban quality of life. Investigating soundscape effects in-situ entails logistical challenges that can be simplified by conducting laboratory-based assessments, which emerged as a viable alternative with sufficient ecological validity. This study aims to further investigate said validity by analyzing the soundscape of two distinct urban sites in Turin, both in-situ and in the laboratory, using third-order Ambisonics reproduction paired with a 360° video headset. To represent contrasting acoustic environments, a heavily trafficked intersection and a small public park were chosen. Participants (N=15) rated each site using the ISO 12913 perceptual attributes under both field and laboratory conditions. In accordance with the findings in the literature, the public park soundscape was perceived as more pleasant in both conditions. Statistical comparison via Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, with Benjamini-Hochberg correction for multiple comparisons, revealed no significant differences between field and laboratory assessments. Results contribute to confirm the ecological validity of laboratory-based soundscape evaluation methods.