Adaptive Indoor Soundscape Augmentation

About the project

About the Project This PhD research explores how AI can be used to create healthier and more productive open-plan offices by improving their acoustic environment. Instead of simply blocking or masking noise, the project will develop an Adaptive Indoor Soundscape Augmentation (AISA) system that uses privacy-preserving sensors, edge-based sound classification, and AI-driven soundscape generation to respond intelligently to office activities such as meetings, focused work, phone calls, and background HVAC noise. The goal is to design personalized and adaptive indoor soundscapes that reduce distraction, support concentration, and improve well-being, while ensuring that no speech content or private information is recorded. This project offers an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of acoustic engineering, artificial intelligence, psychoacoustics, and human-centred design, with potential applications in offices, healthcare, education, and future hybrid workplaces. Candidates with strong backgrounds in one or more of the following areas are encouraged to apply: • Good background in acoustics, signal processing, audio engineering, or a related discipline • Prior experience in audio signal processing, machine learning, deep learning, embedded/edge AI, psychoacoustics, or human–computer interaction would be highly valuable • The student should be comfortable with programming in Python, working with audio data, conducting experiments with human participants, and analysing both objective acoustic measures and subjective user responses • Strong analytical thinking, good communication skills, research independence, and an interest in applying AI to real-world acoustic and well-being challenges are essential

Research areas