PHYSICS OF SOUND

PREPARED BY:
CALZADA, RACHEL A.
What is architectural acoustic?
• Architectural acoustics is the science of controlling sound in buildings.
Embraces all aspects of acoustical design for all types of architectural
spaces, in order to optimize environments for many functions,
including business, recreation, learning, worship, communication,
broadcasting and entertainment.
Sound
• Sound is reflected, transmitted, or absorbed by the materials it
encounters.
• Soft surfaces, such as textiles, and bat insulation, tend to absorb
sound waves, preventing them from further motion.
• Hard surfaces, such as ceramic tile, gypsum board, or wood, tend to
reflect sound waves, causing “echo”. Reverberation is the term used
to describe sound waves that are reflected off of surfaces.
• Dense, massive materials, such as concrete or brick, tend to transmit
sound waves through the material
Reverberation Time
• In simple terms this refers to the amount of time it takes for sound
energy to bounce around a room before being absorbed by the
materials and air.
• Reverberation time is important because it can affect how well you
understand speech, and it can change the way music sounds.
The human being is capable of hearing sounds within a limited
range.

It is not heard, due to its extremely low frequency,

which is below the range of most human hearing.
Acoustical Characteristics
• Liveness- Measure of reverberation time
• Fullness vs. Clarity- Refers to the amount of reflected sound relative
to the amount of direct sound
• Blend and Ensemble- Ability to hear the entire performing group on
the stage (ensemble) and in the audience (blend)
Acoustical Design Problems
• Focusing of Sound- Occurs with use of parabolic surfaces either
behind performers or at rear of auditorium.
• Echoes- Highly reflective flat or parabolic wall shapes. Flutter echoes
from parallel walls. Standing waves between parallel walls.
• External noise- Box within a box construction. Practice rooms and
concert halls in adjacent areas.
Stradia: a sound simulation program
Concert halls demand very careful acoustical
analysis:
Sydney Opera House
Aula Magna (UCV)
Guide questions:
1. ________ is the ability to hear the entire performing group on the
stage and in the audience.
a. Liveness
b. Blend and Ensemble
c. Fullness Vs. Clarity
d. Warmth
2. What is the term used to describe sound waves that are reflected off
of surfaces?
a. Reverberation
b. Reflection
c. Sound
d. Frequency
3. In designing concert halls, hard surfaces, such as ceramic tile,
gypsum board, or wood are not demand in order to avoid _________.
a. Sound
b. Frequency
c. Velocity
d. Echoes
4. What is the acoustical character refers to the amount of reflected
sound relative to the amount of direct sound?
a. Warmth
b. Liveness
c. Blend and Ensemble
d. Fullness Vs. Clarity
5. What is the term refers to “measures the reverberation time”?
a. Liveness
b. Warmth
c. Fullness Vs. Clarity
d. Blend and Ensemble