Architectural acoustics – is the art and technique of designing spaces, structures
and mechanical systems to meet hearing needs.
The concept of architectural acoustics – (the study of everything which concerns
hearing in and around the buildings) enables the designer to properly integrate the
requirements of sound control with the requirements of other building functions.
Goal – to make the environment best serve the functions intended, such as work,
relaxation, and sleep.
Essential Elements of Architectural Acoustics
1. Room Acoustics
a. Volume
b. Interior Surface Shapes
c. Surface Material Selection and Placement
d. Audience Seating and Furnishings
2. Sound Reinforcement System
a. Compatibility with room acoustics
b. Loudspeaker selection and placement
c. System controls and components
3. Sound Isolation
a. Site consideration
b. Location of activities within the building
c. Wall, floor & ceiling construction and barriers
d. Background sound levels
e. Coordination with room acoustics
4. Mechanical System Noise Control
a. Vibration isolation
b. Duct treatment
c. Equipment selection
d. Background Noise Generation
Sound
- an oscillation in presence of the atmosphere which is capable of being
detected by human ear.
- a form of energy propagated in waves that continues to subsist until filtered
through a material turning into heat by friction.
- the sensation produced through the ear resulting from the fluctuations in the
pressure of the air.
The nature of sound, to be heard, requires the following elements:
1. Source of sound
2. Medium or Transmission Path
3. Receiver
Source of Sound is normally a vibrating body, which converts some other form of
energy into vibration.
The word transducer is often used as a generic term for devices used in converting
some form of energy into sound such as loudspeakers and microphones.
Transmission Path
- is any substance that allows the vibration to be transmitted in the form of a
wave motion.
Sounds that are transmitted by air are called airborne sounds.
Sounds that are transmitted through solid bodies are called structureborne
sounds.
Receiver
- receiver pertains with the human ear.
- receiver can be influenced.
Types of Sound
1. Music – can be classified as ordered sound since it is integrated.
2. Speech – can also be classified as ordered sound since it is integrated.
3. Noise – classified as disordered sound, as in street noise.
The Sound Wave
Sound Vibrations are longitudinal waves. They can be pure tone or complex sound.
Pure tone – a sound dominated by energy in a single frequency, and is described by a
single smooth sine curve.
- can only be produced electronically.
Complex Sound – are those of speech, music and noise.
- most sounds in the everyday world are complex.