Analysis of Users’ Psychological and Mental Perception of Soundscape Quality at Mehrabad International Airport with Emphasis on the Role of Green Spaces
Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 Department of Horticultural Science and Landscape Engineering, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Forestry and Forest Economics, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Soundscape, as one of the fundamental dimensions of environmental quality, plays a crucial role in shaping users’ psychological and perceptual experiences of urban and infrastructural spaces. The present study aims to analyze the psycho-perceptual evaluation of users regarding the soundscape quality of Mehrabad Airport and to examine the influence of green spaces on improving this perception. The research employed a mixed-method approach: quantitative data were collected through field measurements of sound levels (dB(LAeq)), while qualitative data were obtained using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews with users. The findings revealed that the presence and organization of green spaces within the airport environment significantly reduced perceived noise annoyance and enhanced feelings of tranquility, attachment, and environmental satisfaction. Moreover, users’ auditory perception quality was found to depend not solely on sound intensity but also on the visual–auditory composition and the acoustic diversity of the environment. Based on the results, it can be concluded that strengthening the green infrastructure in the soundscape design of airports not only enhances the aesthetic and ecological quality of the environment but also contributes to improving users’ mental well-being and perceptual experience.
Keywords
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