Indoor soundscape in primary school classrooms

• DOI: 10.1121/10.0020833
• Publication Date: 2023-09-20T11:21:54Z
• Authors: Chiara Visentin; Simone Torresin; Matteo Pellegatti; Nicola Prodi
• Keywords: Soundscape; Natural sounds

Soundscape research on indoor environments is emerging as a topic to be addressed for the design of supportive, healthier, and more comfortable spaces. Only few studies so far context educational buildings, mainly focusing high schools universities. This pilot study uses questionnaires based pictorial scales investigate soundscape classrooms primary school children (n = 130; 8-10 years old). Perceived loudness affective dimensions pleasantness arousal were explored. Besides actual soundscape, children's ideal was investigated well. The results indicate that most frequent sounds in are generated by students themselves (voices, movements) followed traffic. urban modulates perception when windows open ensure natural ventilation. Pleasantness associated with students' age, perceived loudness, frequency voices nearby classrooms. hearing (children's voices) sirens affects arousal. Our at mostly exposed unpleasant sounds, whereas their preferred ones music nature-related ones. findings have implications positive inclusive learning environments.