Soundscape simulator as a tool to predict the perception of acoustic environment

The previous studies have shown the relationship between sound objects by grouping general sound objects according to how people perceive them (i.e. positively or negatively), but not according to how specific sound objects affect the perception of and the interaction between sound objects in the soundscape. Soundscape composition using soundscape simulator is introduced to address this problem. By using soundscape composition, experiments can be conducted in which sound objects and their parameters are selected and controlled in a soundscape. Soundscape simulator is a system which allows soundscape composition by controlling the parameters of sound objects, allowing participants to compose a soundscape against their expectations. In this study, the soundscape simulator is applied to understand the relationship between the sound objects and the dimensions of soundscape (Relaxation, Dynamic, and Communication). Furthermore, the mathematical model of the relationship has been successfully implemented in the soundscape. The implementation allows the soundscape simulator to predict the perception (according to the dimension of Relaxation, Dynamic, and Communication) of the acoustic environment composed using the simulator. This system will significantly help soundscape designers and urban planners to test soundscape design or ameliorate negative soundscapes.