Architectural acoustics determine the sounds that people hear in a given space. For instance, architects and engineers will pay close attention to the physical formations of a space and the way it affects sound. Confined or open spaces aid in the various ways people perceive sound. For example, the more confined a space is, the more denser the sound. In the Village Bells article, the close knit communities of France experienced denser sounds of bell ringing. Architectural acoustics focuses on the way people react to specific sound in a particular space.
Architectural acoustics can be divided into two categories, wanted and unwanted sounds layered over background noise. Many of these fluctuate in frequency. If a sound is wanted, it should exceed the level of background noise. If a sound is unwanted, it should be below the level of background noise. Normally, background noise consists of traffic, construction and transportation sounds.
Architects and engineers control wanted and unwanted sounds in order to feed their purpose. In a concert hall, outside noise is filtered in order for the transmission of music or speech to reach the audience. In restaurants and hotels, people can sit in a particular place where there is the perception of reduced unwanted sounds. Other areas of the same room would have different affects. In many instances, the method of sound-insulation is used to to prevent airplanes and traffic sound from invading the interior parts of a space. It is quite fascinating to understand the ways (materials) in which a space can be manipulated in order to produce a specific sound environment.
Works Cited:
Lawrence, Anita. Architectural Acoustics. London: Elsevier, 1970.
Northwood, Thomas D. Architectural Acoustics. Pennsylvania: Dowden, 1977.
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