On the development of virtual reality tools to aid in the design interior soundscapes

Abstract

Can simulations of interiors spaces (visual and acoustic) be used to improve designs of spaces within buildings? The first step in the simulation of the sounds in a space is to characterize typical sound sources and their locations within the space. The next step is to characterize the paths from the sources to the user, based on geometry and materials used. Combining the contributions from all sources, is it possible to create sounds that are similar to sounds in the real environment? How close do simulated and measured sounds need to be to evoke similar emotional responses from users? The same questions arise for the visual experience and for interactions between the visual and acoustic experiences. Are there metrics that can be used to guide improvements in the virtual environment to match the real experience in the built environments? To start to answer these questions, a sound simulation program using an image source modeling approach was developed for spaces in an existing building. The impulse responses from the image source model and the measured impulse responses are compared, as are simulated and measured sounds. Room acoustics and sound quality metrics for the virtual and real sounds are also compared.