Architectural acoustics

Symphony Hall, Birmingham, an example of the application of architectural acoustics

Architectural acoustics (also known as building acoustics) is the science and engineering of achieving a good sound within a building and is a branch of acoustical engineering.[1] The first application of modern scientific methods to architectural acoustics was carried out by the American physicist Wallace Sabine in the Fogg Museum lecture room. He applied his newfound knowledge to the design of Symphony Hall, Boston.[2]

Architectural acoustics can be about achieving good speech intelligibility in a theatre, restaurant or railway station, enhancing the quality of music in a concert hall or recording studio, or suppressing noise to make offices and homes more productive and pleasant places to work and live in.[3] Architectural acoustic design is usually done by acoustic consultants.[4]

  1. ^ Morfey, Christopher (2001). Dictionary of Acoustics. Academic Press. p. 32.
  2. ^ Sabine, Wallace Clement (1922). Collected papers on acoustics. Harvard University Press.
  3. ^ Templeton, Duncan (1993). Acoustics in the Built Environment: Advice for the Design Team. Architectural Press. ISBN 978-0750605380.
  4. ^ National Careers Service. "Job profiles Acoustics consultant"..