Factors, processes, and models of soundmark identification in urban parks

The concept of a soundmark refers to a distinctive sound source that identifies a particular area based on its environmental acoustic characteristics. This study investigated the factors and processes of soundmark identification in urban parks. After interviewing participants in 14 different urban parks in China, six categories that affect soundmark identification were identified, “sound source”, “context”, “sound perception”, “individual features”, “response” and “comprehension”. First, the core category is context. As for context, in amusement parks, activity parks, and nature parks, respectively, the theme, function, and scene affect the soundmark identification. For sound perception, soundmark identification is affected by the occurrence of birdsongs and the duration of water sounds in nature parks. Soundmark identification is affected by contrast, duration, and audio-visuals in amusement parks and activity parks. Furthermore, a soundmark identification model specifically for urban parks has been established. The model contains two identified processes: responsive soundmarks and comprehensive soundmarks. For responsive soundmark identification processes, sound source, context, sound perception, and response are essential factors. For comprehensive soundmark identification processes, sound source, context, individual features, and comprehension are essential factors. The soundmarks cannot be identified if the response or comprehension is missed during the process. Ultimately, the park’s cultural features promote the identification of comprehensive soundmarks. In addition, soundmarks can be effectively transformed by changing the context of urban parks or the characteristics of sound perception.