Work

Audiovisual characteristics, patterns, and facial-expression responses in an under-viaduct green space

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Under-viaduct green spaces (UVGSs) combine natural landscape elements with persistent transport-related visual and acoustic cues, yet their audiovisual characteristics and experiential implications remain insufficiently understood. Methods: This exploratory study examined a UVGS in Shanghai using three recorded audiovisual scenarios representing different landscape and traffic conditions. Forty-nine participants viewed the stimuli in a controlled laboratory setting. Visual features were quantified through semantic segmentation, acoustic conditions through field sound-level measurements and 1-s sound-source prominence coding, and facial-expression responses through DeepFace-derived scores sampled at 1-s intervals. Hierarchical clustering was used to identify recurring audiovisual patterns. Results: The three scenarios differed clearly in visual composition, overall sound level, and sound-source composition, but exploratory component-wise Friedman tests showed no significant scenario-level differences in any of the seven relative DeepFace output components after Holm adjustment. Six audiovisual patterns were identified, with descriptive variation in facial-expression scores across the patterns. Because pattern occurrence was strongly associated with scenario and temporal position, these differences were interpreted descriptively rather than as independent pattern effects. Discussion: These scores represent relative facial-expression outputs rather than direct measures of subjective emotional states. Overall, the findings show that audiovisual experience in UVGSs is better understood by considering visual context, sound-source composition, and their co-occurrence rather than isolated environmental indicators.

Source: Frontiers in Psychology

DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1970940

Authors: Yuting Yin, Feng Wang, Chengci Li, Dongbo Ma

Institutions: East China Normal University, Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute

Language: English

Topic: Noise Effects and Management

Subfield: Acoustics and Ultrasonics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,801