Relationship between contextual perceptions and soundscape evaluations based on the structural equation modelling approach

Contextual perceptions have a complicated effect on soundscapes in urban open public spaces. The objective of this study was to explore the systematic relationship between urban contextual factors and soundscape evaluations in open public spaces with a recreational function. Six areas in northern China were selected, and a questionnaire survey was conducted to evaluate the satisfaction with contextual factors and soundscapes. The results showed that dominant sound sources of talking and children playing were positively related to soundscape in terms of interest and comfort. Most of the contextual factors were positively related to soundscape descriptors. A structural equation model was constructed for the influences of urban contextual factors on soundscape. There were five latent variables: three latent variables of urban contextual perception, namely, urban management, natural and urban conditions, and the physical environment, and two latent variables of soundscape, namely, eventfulness and pleasantness. Urban management showed the most significant positive influence on the soundscape dimension of pleasantness. Physical environment was positively related to the dimension of pleasantness, and natural and urban conditions positively contributed to eventfulness. Moreover, natural and urban conditions and urban management both influenced the physical environment.