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The Influence of Urban Park on Shaping the Perception of Soundscape: Case Study of Putroe Phang Park in Banda Aceh, Indonesia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Urban parks play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life in cities by providing serene, healthy natural environments. Among their numerous benefits, urban parks significantly influence the auditory experience of visitors. This study investigates the impact of landscape elements within urban parks on perceived soundscapes, focusing on Putroe Phang Park, one of the largest urban parks in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Our methodology combines landscape observations, soundwalk data collection, visitor questionnaires, and sound measurements, including Sound Pressure Level (SPL) and Ambisonic recordings. We used a UNI-T UT sound level meter and a Zoom H1N digital audio recorder for data collection. The SPL distribution within the park was visualized using contour maps generated using Surfer software (version 23.3.202). Our findings reveal that while some landscape elements contribute positively to a pleasant soundscape, others, notably traffic noise, detract from the overall experience. However, the park’s Leq remained between 58 and 68dB(A), below the upper threshold of 70 dB(A). Our findings suggest that enhancing the diversity and quality of landscape elements can mitigate undesirable sounds and improve the park’s auditory environment.

Source: PLANNING MALAYSIA

DOI: 10.21837/pm.v23i36.1715

Authors: Laina Hilma Sari, Mujahid Afif, Zulfikar Taqiuddin, Chaham Alalouch, Brit Anak Kayan

Institutions: Universitas Syiah Kuala, Bandung Institute of Technology, Sultan Qaboos University, University of Malaya

Language: English

Topic: Noise Effects and Management

Subfield: Speech and Hearing

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Universitas Syiah Kuala