Developing a Multivariate Model to Predict the Perception of Residents' Perceived Noise Annoyance through High-Rise Building Windows

This paper studies the effects of neighborhood views of densely packed high-rises on annoyance induced by road traffic noise. Earlier studies have found that views containing close-by buildings would negatively affect noise annoyance. However, there is limited understanding about the extent to which views constrained by closely spaced buildings at close proximity affect noise annoyance. Few studies explored the potential of vertical greening and façade appearance in attenuating noise annoyance responses. A multivariate model was formulated to predict the probability of evoking noise annoyance when exposed to views conditioned by space, façade and noise attributes. 50 participants were presented with 16 audio-visual composite scenarios through immersive virtual reality for noise annoyance ratings. The results showed that noise annoyance could be significantly lowered with reduced noise level, increased separation distance, the presence of vertical greening, and refurbishment on building façades. Participants were also found to have higher sensitivity to vertical greening than to the openness of view when perceiving noise-induced annoyance.