A Comparative Study of Soundscape Perception in Historic and Contemporary Urban Areas of Ghadames

Abstract

This paper investigates the perceived soundscape differences between the old and modern urban environments of Ghadames, Libya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A questionnaire survey was administered to 32 local residents to explore their perceptions of acoustic comfort, noise levels, leisure preferences, and the influence of weather on the sound environment. The findings indicate no statistically significant difference in overall acoustic comfort between the two city sectors, suggesting adaptive perceptions or diverse comfort dimensions. However, the modern city was perceived as significantly noisier than the old city, reinforcing the old city's reputation for tranquility. Consequently, a majority of participants expressed a clear preference for spending their leisure time in the historic old city. Furthermore, the study confirmed that weather conditions play a palpable and influential role in shaping the acoustic experience. These results provide valuable insights for urban planning, heritage management, and the preservation of unique urban acoustic identities, particularly in culturally significant cities undergoing modernization.