Noise masking in high population country using sound of water fountain

The objective of the present studies is to investigate whether sounds from water fountains at Singapore can be used to mask undesired noises such as noises from construction site and food court. The studies were conducted through field measurements and questionnaire survey. 8 water fountains which located at famous landscapes of Singapore were selected. In the survey, 110 respondents were asked to rank their perceptions of pleasantness and calming toward water sounds, masking sounds and noises. Effects of age, gender and exposure frequency on these perceptions were also analyzed. By overall through the survey data, water sounds were found to be more pleasant and more calming than masking sounds while masking sounds were better than pure noises. For age effect, it was found that respondents who are 40 and above 40 years old had higher requirement towards standards of pleasant and calming. The effect of gender on human perceptions toward noises, water and masking sounds was negligible. Based on the survey data, it is suggested that sound from water fountain is suitable to be used as masking sound in a high population density country like Singapore since they have beautiful appearance, no need additional installation space like other noise reduction device and free of the issue of air and sunshine blocking. (C) 2020 Elsevier Ltd. reserved.