Taipei MRT Cabin Soundscape: Route Between Shandao Temple and Taipei Main Station

Abstract

Soundscape of a specific transportation event conveys not only messages for communication purpose but also becomes a soundmark for the riders. This Taipei MRT cabin soundscape study documents the series of acoustic events during the rides between two stations: Shandao Temple and Taipei Main Station. Taxonomy of sounds, technical data analysis and soundwalks were used as the soundscape data collection methods. Social, mechanical, and indicators sounds were identified as the three main sound classifications. Spectrogram showed the distinguished frequencies and orders of the acoustic events. On train announcements used four languages due to the country’s cultural and social history. This fascinating, unique, and repetitive Taipei MRT cabin soundscape adds to the exuberant soundscape and identity of Taipei.