Overall environmental assessment in urban parks: Modelling audio-visual interaction with a structural equation model based on soundscape and landscape indices

Abstract This study developed guidelines for the design of park environments for urban residents by conducting an overall environmental assessment from the perspective of audio-visual interaction. We collected information about audio-visual stimuli at 18 locations in three urban parks and created an assessment environment within a laboratory using virtual reality. A subjective assessment questionnaire was administered to 30 participants regarding audio-visual elements, perceived affective quality, and overall environmental assessment. Further, soundscape and landscape indices were defined using the audio-visual perception ratio between natural-related elements and traffic/human-related elements. Based on the subjective assessment responses, an environmental perception model using a structural equation model was developed. The results demonstrated that pleasantness should be prioritized over eventfulness. Water-related elements are efficient for increasing pleasantness, while providing greenery-related elements efficiently controls eventfulness. We found that audio-visual satisfaction improves when there is a higher share of water- and greenery-related elements than traffic-related elements. However, regarding the visual perception ratio of the human presence to natural elements, water features were found to be effective as a design factor for visual satisfaction and greenery for sound satisfaction. Considering the importance of human-related elements, we confirmed that designs are needed that will induce an influx of people into parks at an appropriate level to enhance their overall environmental satisfaction. This study's findings are expected to serve as design guidelines and supporting data to create pleasant urban park environments.