Room acoustic simulation in the planning of concert halls and opera houses

Abstract

In room acoustic planning and design of concert halls and opera houses, computerized prediction of sound transmission gains an increasing significance. The room acoustic simulation may give a more reliable prediction of the room acoustic conditions to be expected. Furthermore, the visualized and auralized results have a positive effect on the communication between acoustician and architect. In this paper, the requirements as well as present possibilities and limitations of room acoustic prediction in practice are described by means of exemplary current building projects. Some important aspects such as coupled volumes, diffuse wall reflections, curved surfaces, or grazing sound transmission above the audience are discussed.