Case studies that explore the soundscape of dining

Abstract

The acoustics of restaurants is related to the soundscape of dining. The goal of this study is to better understand and document the soundscape of dining as a method to analyze communication paths among diners. This will be used to determine possible acoustical interventions based on the perceived acoustical qualities of the spaces by the local experts, i.e., diners, staff, and operators of the facilities. This study compares case studies of three restaurants using the soundscape method to explore links between qualitative evaluations of the soundscape by users, staff, and operators of the facilities and acoustical metrics including analysis of impulse response measurements between occupants in the rooms, and acoustical measurements calculated from the impulse responses including STI and RT. Using the soundscape methods, along with impulse response measurements based on actual communication paths, allows for diagnosis of surfaces to be treated and allows acoustical metrics to be derived that reflect the qualitative analysis of the space as it is heard by diners, staff, and owners of the restaurants.