Effect of an Artificial Sound-Based Index on the Perception of Historical Block Environments

The acoustic environment can influence people's perceptions and experiences and shape the soundscape. The soundscape has a unique role in shaping the cultural identity of a regional culture. Artificial sounds are an essential source of sounds in historical blocks; research has shown the influence of the ratio of perceived artificial sounds to the perceived extent of natural sounds on environmental perception in historical blocks. In order to explore this impact, this study uses the red soundscape index (RSIn), which represents the ratio of perceived artificial sounds to natural sounds, and constructs a structural equation model to elucidate the relationship between RSIn, soundscape perception, and sense of place. The results show that: (1) The evaluation of the sense of place is inversely related to the perception of artificial sounds and positively related to the perception of natural sounds. (2) Different artificial sounds have different effects on soundscape perception and the sense of place; the traditional culture soundscape index (TRSIn) has a significant impact on soundscape pleasantness (beta = -0.13, p < 0.001) and soundscape quality (beta = -0.09, p < 0.01). (3) The human soundscape index (ARSI(n)) has a significant impact on the sense of place (beta = -0.14, p < 0.001). (4) The music soundscape index (MRSIn) has a significant negative impact on soundscape quality (beta = -0.13, p < 0.05) and the sense of place (beta = -0.12, p < 0.05). Therefore, the different dominant artificial sound sources should be considered and emphasized when designing and optimizing the soundscape of historic districts. The results of this study can serve as design guidelines and supporting data, providing a reference for the optimization and enhancement of the soundscape of historical blocks.