The background sounds present in a given environment constitute its sonic atmosphere. These noises, often unnoticed or perceived as unremarkable, are consistently present and contribute to the overall acoustic character of a space. A typical example includes the low hum of an air conditioning unit in an office or the distant sounds of traffic in an urban setting.
These subtle auditory elements significantly influence perception and experience. They can shape mood, enhance immersion, and provide contextual cues about a location or situation. Throughout history, awareness of and intentional manipulation of such elements have been employed in various fields, from environmental design to artistic expression, to evoke specific emotional or cognitive responses.
