Perception difference for approaching and receding sound sources of a listener in motion in architectural sequential spaces

Abstract

This study investigates the dynamic auditory perception in large sequential public spaces for listeners in motion with a stationary primary sound source. Virtual soundwalks, involving four music and voice sources and validated with in situ soundwalks, were conducted in an exhibition space. The perception differences between the approaching and receding sound sources were explored, and three major effects were found. The rising sound received a higher rating in each room with a greater perceived change in the loudness than the falling sound despite equal changes in both levels (approach effect). The difference was greater for the room connected to the source room. The loudness in the room connected to the source room receives a sharp drop (plummet effect) for the receding sound source, which was larger for music than for voice. The effect of the background sound impairing the perceptual priority of rising sound was profound in the receiving rooms. The loudness patterns could not be extended to other perceptual attributes, including reverberation. An increasing symmetry of the overall perception between the different sound source types was observed (convergence effect) either by the approaching or receding sound sources. The overall asymmetry of the directional aspects occurring with the noise and voice was not as distinguishable as with music.