Spatial Design and Aural Experience in Music Schools in Lagos State

Abstract

Sound has the ability to affect people psychologically, physiologically, behaviourally and cognitively, either negatively or positively, at all times and in all places. Architecture plays a key role in shaping sound, and in defining a certain soundscape. Architectural discourse is often dominated by visual design while the aural architecture becomes a result of the visual decisions, despite that all five senses are important to the experience of a space. Designing our soundscapes, both inside and out, is essential to creating environments which are conducive to their intended function, and do not negatively affecting inhabitants. The aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between design strategies commonly adopted in existing music schools in Lagos State and the aural architecture it creates. In order to do this, this study has used existing literature, information from case studies and also data from the users of the existing music schools to identify the current design strategies in the music schools and how they affect the aural experience of the users. Findings show that the design strategies adopted had significant relationships with the aural architecture of the spaces, the most prominent design strategy adopted was the rectangular geometry and very little aural architecture strategies were adopted. With this understanding a tuned aural architecture design is proposed, exploring material and design manipulations, which help to create a more beneficial and enriching environment.