[en] This study explores the influence of the urban soundscape on pedestrian perception and walking experience in the historic and lower parts of Béjaïa, Algeria. More precisely, the analysis investigates how variations in soundscape configuration relate to perceived comfort, safety, and walking pleasantness across five morphologically distinct urban zones. A mixed-method approach combining quantitative tools (LAeq acoustic measurements) and qualitative methods (soundwalks, sound diaries, and mental maps) was applied in accordance with ISO 12913. The study involved 50 participants for the sound diaries and 58 for the soundwalks. Results show that natural and social sounds enhance perceived comfort and safety, while mechanical noise is associated with discomfort and avoidance behaviors. In the morning, moderate to strong correlations were observed between sound comfort and visual perception (ρ = 0.58, p = 0.001, 95% CI [0.27; 0.80]), as well as between sound comfort and walking pleasantness (ρ = 0.40, p = 0.033, 95% CI [0.05; 0.67]). The study highlights the need to integrate soundscape considerations into urban planning and heritage conservation strategies.
Research Center/Unit :
Sustainable Building Design Lab
Disciplines :
Architecture
Author, co-author :
Mansouri, Yacine ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Urban and Environmental Engineering ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Faculté des Sciences Appliquées > Form. doct. art bâtir & urba. (FSA - paysage ) ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Faculté des Sciences Appliquées > Doct. art. bât. urba.
Matallah, Mohamed Elhadi ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département ArGEnCo > Techniques de construction des bâtiments
Mahar, Waqas Ahmed ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Urban and Environmental Engineering
Attar, Abdelghani
Attia, Shady ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Département ArGEnCo > Techniques de construction des bâtiments
Language :
English
Title :
The Impact of Soundscape on Pedestrian Comfort, Perception and Walking Experience in Béjaïa, Algeria
Publication date :
13 October 2025
Journal title :
Acoustics
eISSN :
2624-599X
Publisher :
MDPI, Switzerland
Volume :
7
Issue :
4
Pages :
64
Peer reviewed :
Peer Reviewed verified by ORBi
Development Goals :
12. Responsible consumption and production 3. Good health and well-being
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