Concert Halls in Cooperative Virtual Environments

Abstract

AbstractThe integration of simulation tools into an architectural design and decision process comprise a large potential. The design of acoustic spaces like concert halls or theatres is very complex in regard to the design and evaluation of its acoustic quality. To enable evaluation and discussion between different participants of an acoustic design and decision process an adequate cooperative and interactive design environment was searched. As the acceptance and the reliability of cooperative virtual environment rises with the number of addressed senses and the quality of representation the combination of a high quality visual simulation (COVISE/COVER) with a high quality acoustic simulation (RAVEN/VA) is achieved. The paper describes the system architecture in regard to its cooperative aspects and points out possible cooperation modes. Different application scenarios of the virtual acoustic environment, like education scenario or planning scenario are described through case studies. The experiences from these scenarios are summarised in the conclusions.Keywordsvirtual acousticsvirtual realityarchitectural designdesign tools