Resolving the acoustics of contemporary Byzantine churches. The new orthodox cathedral of Tirana in Albania as the first scientific paradigm

Abstract

Due to their historical and religious tradition, churches carry an architectural complexity with reference to both their form and adornment, which constraints significantly the sound-absorbing possibilities of the contemporary surface treatments. Hence generating an acoustically demanding environment.Although a quite arduous task for both the architect and the acoustic consultant, such idiosyncrasies divulge an intriguing scrutiny about the architectural building methods that can be implemented (already from the early design stages) and that can contribute to the resolution of the demanding acoustic environment. Nevertheless, for the successful attainment of such aim a finely balanced relationship between the architect and the acoustician is essential and can only be achieved if the former always remains at the service of the earlier, while the earlier is at the same time capable to understand the scientific input of the former.By having the above ideas in mind, the Hellenic acoustic design practice of the New Orthodox Cathedral of Tirana in Albania -“The Resurrection of Christ”- presents the application of pioneering for the Ecclesiastical architecture acoustical measures and employ the project in matter into a wide discourse about the acoustic improvements that can be implemented universally, to the architecturally “contemporary Byzantine ecclesiae”.