Effects of visual environment with multiple environmental features on noise annoyance induced by road traffic noise

Previous studies suggested that visual environment would affect human noise perception. Natural features such as greenery and water view would moderate noise annoyance while built features would have negative effects on the quality of acoustic environment. However, the composite effects of visual environment with multiple environmental features on acoustic environment is still unknown. Consequently, questionnaire survey was conducted to reveal how different combinations of views to greenery, water space (sea and/or urban river) and noise barrier would affect noise annoyance responses of residents living in high-rise buildings. Results showed that both greenery and water view possessed the capability of noise annoyance moderation. Sea possessed a stronger noise annoyance moderation capability than urban river view. Meanwhile, views to noise barriers would lead to higher noise annoyance. Noise annoyance tended to be even higher when both noise barriers and water spaces were perceived simultaneously.