WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS?
Building with architectural acoustics incorporates the process of building a structure in such a way that the sound and acoustics of the structure can be maximised. It involves building the structure so that soundwaves can be harnessed and reverberate correctly off the interior walls to create the clearest and amplified sound, while also controlling the sound to a lower, more dampened reverberation, in other areas of the building.
Considerations for architectural acoustics are important in places like museums and libraries, or even casinos and concert halls.
Bearing this in mind, it is helpful to rather build the correct acoustics for a room from the start, than the expense of converting it once built, into a more pleasing sound environment.
Factors to Consider
Several factors are taken into account with architectural acoustics, including the geometry of the room and the materials from which the structure will be built, as different materials absorb or deflect sound differently. Mechanical parts in the room will also be considered as their own vibration will affect the sound in the room.
When constructing the room, it is important to bear in mind that softer surfaces such as carpets, foam padding, and fibreglass insulation, will all absorb the sound well, while harder surfaces such as wood will reflect the sound around the room.
Benefits of Considering Architectural Acoustics
Loud, sharp, and unpleasant noises can have a detrimental effect on a person’s overall health and mental wellbeing, while the converse is also true, where pleasant, clear, and softer sounds can have the effect of improving a person’s wellbeing.
Over and above this, there are several other benefits to putting thought into the architectural acoustics of the room from the start. Good acoustics can have a positive impact on us in many ways, by reducing anxiety and stress, assisting with concentration, preserving hearing, improving spoken communication, minimising hypertension, and maximising the enjoyment of a particular sound display.
Getting the architecture right for a particular building can make all the difference to the experience of the sound. Contact Acoustech today for a quotation.