Sound quality in railstation : users' perceptions and predictability

This paper deals with sound perception in spatial transitions in railway stations. My purpose is to describe sound qualities or sound failures perceived by users in the aim to create a prediction tool for architects. This paper shows how a specific methodology can be used to develop a catalogue which connects spatial forms, sound sources and social practices. Sociological, acoustical and architectural surveys can describe what users feel for several spatial transitions in stations. Sound quality is approached through acoustical criteria measurement and evaluation of subjective listening criteria. This research led surveys in Paris - Gare du Nord, Paris Gare Montparnasse and Paris - Gare Haussman (Eole line). All these results are feeding global thought on predictability of the sound quality perceived by users in public spaces