Assessment of tranquility and soundscapes in urban open green spaces, case study: Shiraz, Iran

This study investigates tranquility and soundscapes in urban green spaces, focusing on Azadi Park and Eram Garden. Comments from visitors underscore the diverse motivations for park use and the resulting effects. Six domains of visit motivations were identified: physical, relaxation, socializing, enjoyment, social goals, and escaping the city. Participants reported physical effects like relaxation, positive emotions, and attachment to the place. The correlation analysis reveals that tranquility is linked not only to naturalness and remoteness but also emotional reactions like pleasantness, calmness, and control. Comparative analysis of tranquility rates in different park locations, particularly near the street and the middle of the park, indicates higher tranquility in the latter. Despite being centrally located, both parks achieved 'good' to 'excellent' average tranquility ratings. The study emphasizes the importance of considering the entire visual composition of a scene for its perceived quality. Insights into soundscapes highlight the need for creating spaces dominated by natural sounds and reducing man-made sounds, especially traffic noise. The study establishes a close association between perceived tranquility and visitors reporting increased relaxation, with higher tranquility ratings correlating with a higher percentage of visitors feeling relaxed. Overall, the findings contribute to understanding the complex interplay of environmental factors in shaping perceptions of tranquility and underscore the potential benefits of urban green spaces as restorative environments.