Other expert work I have looked into

When first looking into using the idea of a public space as my main idea for my soundscape i looked around for information that experts have said to help me correct my mistakes. Here is a article by Bernd Rohrmann who Wrote this article called 'Soundscapes - types and impacts of music imparted in public spaces' 


'Research issue: Public places - such as markets, pubs and restaurants, music venues, cinemas, theatres, teaching venues, shopping centres, sport venues, transportation facilities - have a particular 'soundscape' which affects visitors' perceptions and behaviors. For example, people in a restaurant encounter three kinds of soundscapes: the sounds created by other customers, the sounds from outside (the street), and the sounds provided by the music systems which are run in most public places; none of these soundscapes are under the control of the visitors. Thus the question arises, what do they actually desire, and do they like what they experience in this kind of environment? '

'People-environment context: Almost all people going to a restaurant or shop or gym do so for a practical reason, e.g., eating or buying something or exercising; hearing music is not their primary aim. The music imparted there may entertain or disturb. So far, pertinent research mainly looked at two issues: impacts on the venue's function, and noise effects. Quietness as an environmental feature has obtained less attention.'

'Empirical investigation: In socio-psychological field studies, demands and appraisals of supplied music were explored, surveying what sound levels do occur inside venues, whether customers want music to be present or absent; the desired content and level of music; their perceptions and evaluations of the actual music situation, and how the existing soundscapes relate to the purpose of their visit. In the first study, "Influence of music in cafes & restaurants" , 6 cafes and restaurants were looked at, and data collected through personal interviews of customers (N=72). The study "Sound levels and social interactions in music venues" , dealt with 3 types of venues: pubs, restaurants and gyms (3 each); N=32 qualitative interviews were conducted, plus enquiries with staff and management. A further study, "Music levels in Melbourne University eateries" , is underway In all studies sound measurements were carried out, recording both peak and average sound levels.'