Understanding the drivers of soundscape perception

The present paper describes the results of a pilot research carried out in three locations of the city of Rome, with the aim of identifying interpretative models of socio-cultural and psycho-physiological factors that influence the soundscape perception in urban contexts. It is aimed to better understand the drivers of soundscape perception in order to contribute to the scientific debate on this topic. The research was conducted in the following sites: a busy crossroad in one of the main shopping streets of Rome, an outdoor cafe in a residential and administrative district and a local market in the pedestrian area of a historical working-class neighbourhood.

The results of this research provide a double contribution, both theoretical and practical, to the understanding of the psychosocial dynamics that drive relations between people and their sonic environments. On the one hand, two psychosocial interpretative models were identified for the two characterizing aspects of soundscape perception, emerged in this research: the distinction between sound and noise and the different attitudes towards soundscape elements considered as negative and referred to as noise. On the other hand, these same interpretative models of the phenomena provide useful insights to draw up more targeted and effective strategies of the urban soundscape improvement, based on the development of citizens involvement and participation in improving their life contexts.