A comparative study on indoor soundscape assessment via a mixed method: A case of the high school environment
Date
2022-02-28Source Title
Applied Acoustics
Print ISSN
0003-682X
Publisher
Elsevier
Volume
189
Pages
1 - 13
Language
English
Type
ArticleItem Usage Stats
4
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Abstract
Environments for learning-teaching activities require optimum acoustical conditions since students
learning attitudes are directly related to verbal speaking. However, optimum acoustical conditions are
not enough to provide acoustic comfort to students. To explore the acoustic requirements of educational
spaces, there is a need to understand the role of sound and in which factors auditory perception of stu-
dents changes. This study explores the relationship between auditory perception and the built environ-
ment in a high school. It aims to provide design guidelines for educational facilities using the systematic
categorization that defines the comparison between classroom and computer laboratory spaces in _Ihsan
Dog ̆ramacı Foundation Bilkent High School. To understand the existing acoustic conditions in a selected
educational facility, Equivalent Continuous A-Weighted Sound Level (LAeq), Reverberation Time (T30),
and Speech Transmission Index (STI) were measured. This mixed method study includes quantitative
and qualitative research methods. Data was collected through multiple instruments, including a ques-
tionnaire survey (n = 117) and semi-structured interviews (n = 50). The data analyses were conducted
using SPSS v.20 statistical software and applying the method of Grounded Theory (GT). The results show
that the auditory perception of students does not only depend on sound levels since the responses
towards sound sources and sound levels changed depending on the context of the space (such as the lec-
ture content or the students’ task). The conceptual framework presented the relations between the built
environment, acoustic environment, and auditory perception of students. The results of this research
were interpreted for possible improvement directions, providing a guideline for designers to shape the
auditory quality of future educational spaces