The graduate program in architectural acoustics at the University of Florida

Abstract

The graduate program in architectural acoustics at the University of Florida offers a course of study that leads to Master of Architecture and Ph.D. degrees. The focus of the program is to address the theories and practice of acoustics in architectural settings. Core courses are offered in basic acoustical principles and the acoustical design of buildings. Students complete a major design project assuming the role of an acoustical consultant. They provide comprehensive acoustical recommendations for all aspects of a major building including room-shaping and finishes, mechanical system noise control, and the design of a speech reinforcement system. They gain experience in field measurement techniques, computer calculations, ray diagramming, and scale modeling. Additional study is pursued through individual research and thesis projects. Examples of previous projects include acoustical scale modeling, the acoustics of the case of an organ, measurements of new indices of acoustical quality in various auditoria, and studies of subjective musical quality. The program is supported by a dedicated laboratory and studio space and three faculty.