Requariements for good acoustic

One of the most fundamental aspects shaping our perception of sound is reverberation time. It explains why choral singing resonates so well in Gothic cathedrals, while lectures are clearer in auditoriums. Different functions require different acoustic conditions: in churches, long reverberation times allow sounds to blend harmoniously, whereas in lecture halls or recording studios the goal is to minimize reverberation for speech intelligibility. Yet absorption alone does not define acoustic quality. Equally important are the volume and proportions of the room, construction materials, the number of listeners, and the objects present within the space. Achieving good acoustics requires a careful balance of all these parameters.

Absorption, reflection, and diffusion form the three primary tools—alongside geometry and spatial volume—through which we can intentionally shape acoustic performance. Absorption indicates how much sound energy is lost within materials; reflection measures the portion of energy returning to the room; diffusion disperses sound evenly, reducing distortions without eliminating acoustic energy. While absorbers, often made of fibrous materials, are efficient in interior applications, they do not tolerate exterior conditions. Diffusers, on the other hand, play a vital role in scattering reflections to maintain clarity and richness of sound.

To optimize the acoustic conditions of practice rooms, a parametric form-finding process was implemented. The algorithm was guided by two primary parameters: the desired RT60 reverberation time of approximately 0.7 seconds and the uniformity of reflected energy, expressed by a custom indicator (F.V.). The rehearsal volumes were subdivided into equal surface segments, and acoustic ray vectors were simulated from a central point source. The dispersion patterns revealed the degree of acoustic uniformity: darker areas indicated higher energy concentrations, while uniform coloration suggested balanced reflection.

Further exploration investigated whether curved geometries could improve acoustic performance. Standing waves are typically concentrated in corners; therefore, curved or filleted edges were tested to minimize their occurrence, especially at low frequencies. The analyses confirmed that such geometric modifications significantly influence reverberation and diffusion patterns, validating an intuitive assumption through computational testing.

Additionally, the impact of various diffuser geometries on reverberation and sound scattering was examined. Both conventional and experimental diffuser shapes were tested, though the complexity and computational cost of the simulations limited the scope of analysis. Despite this, the results demonstrated clear tendencies and informed subsequent design decisions.

The final outcome of the study was the development of a tubular module with dimensions of 3 × 4.1 × 5 meters and rounded corners of 1.9 m and 0.9 m radii. This prefabricated unit is acoustically and thermally sealed, produced in a specialized facility, and delivered to the construction site as a ready-made element. Its lightweight yet durable construction minimizes structural load while ensuring superior acoustic isolation. By combining parametric simulations, genetic optimization algorithms, and modular prefabrication, the design process bridges computational precision with practical implementation, producing music practice spaces that meet the highest acoustic standards.