Acoustics, architecture, and speech: A student inquiry

Abstract

A hands‐on student project aimed at identifying an acoustics problem and correcting it was undertaken during a special 2‐day period set aside by the Clemson University College of Architecture to encourage innovative learning methods. The exercise combined acoustics theory and problem definition with architectural design response and testing of the solution. The pastor of a local church was concerned that worshipers had difficulty hearing sermons. Examination of the sanctuary space revealed that speech intelligibility was being degraded by reverberation and long‐delayed sound reflections. In situ experimentation led to the conclusion by students that a canopy could control sound emanating from the pulpit and effectively direct it toward the congregation. Following the exploration of alternate student designs, a final canopy model was constructed at full scale and placed over the pulpit for testing purposes. Before and after measurements with a portable meter measuring the speech transmission index [T. Houtgast and H. J. M. Steeneken, J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 77, 1069–1077 (1985)] revealed that listening conditions in the church improved significantly with the installation of the canopy. Similar findings emerged from surveys of church members conducted during the period of time the canopy remained in place.