MAY 2, 2025

Lighting and Acoustics

Disney Walt

Harpa

Harbin Opera House

Elbphiharmonie

The Grand Seine

Chapel of Sound

SOUND - Vibration that travels through a viable medium

FREQUENCY - TALKS ABOUT CYCLE PER SECOND

20-20,000 Hz - Approximate audio frequency range of human hearing

600-40,000Hz critical frequency for speech communication

Speed of sound in various Media

Media Temperature (°C) Speed (m/s)

Air 0 331

Air 20 343

Water 25 1493

Salt Water 25 1533

Rubber 25 1550

Iron 25 5130
ARCHITECTURAL - technology of designingspaces, structures, and
mechanical systems to meet hearing needs.

with proper design

DEFINITION OF SOUND - from energy propagated in waves which continue to

subsist until filtered through a materialturning into heat by friction.

HOW SOUND TRAVELS

• Reflection

• Absorption

• Transmission

BASIC ELEMENTS

• Source

• Transmission Path

• Receiver

HEAT

• Radiation

• Conduction

• Convection

TYPES OF ACOUSTICS

PSYCHO ACOUSTICS - deals with the reaction of human beings to audible

sound

ENVIRONMENTAL ACOUSTIC - deals with the effect of the environment upon

audible sound waves.
ELECTRO ACOUSTICS - deals with the generation and detection of audible
sound waves

SONICS - deals with the technical application of the mechanical waves in

basic scientific research, industry, and medicine.

GREEK:

LATIN: SONIC (low, mid, high)

INFRA SONIC < 20Hz

ULTRA SONIC > 20,000Hz

Sources of Sound -

Sound we cannot hear -

Natural Elements that Affect sound -

Why do we care about acoustics design?

ACOUSTIC:

• COMFORT (residential)

• PERFORMANCE(commercial)

ACOUSTICS IS ALREADY PRESENT IN ANCIENT TIMES

THEATER OF EPIDAURUS

Considered as an architectural marvel

The theatre of Epidaurus through its production and presentation of drama,

plays and recitais iherefore became an important contributor to the progress
of Greek arts.
- Acoustics of the Epidaurus theater are so good you can hear a pin drop
from the back seats

Spectators capacity: 15,750 - 14,700

Measurements:

CAVEA: 119 mts,

ORCHESTRA: 24,65 mts

HEIGHT: approx. 59 mts

REVERBERATION

is the persistence of sound after the cause of sound has stopped

- a result of repeated refiections.-

SOUND PATH

Every listener in a lecture hall, theater, or concert hall should hear the
speaker of performer with the same degree of loudness and clarity.

1. REFLECTIONS The occur when sound hits a surface that is neither

predominantly absorptive nor sound transparent at the specific frequency.
Non absorptive surfaces thaf are large, as compared to the wavelength al a
given frequency, reflect sounds

2. RAY DIAGRAM Ray diagramming is a design procedure for analyzing

reflected sound distribution throughout a hall, using the first reflection only.

4. ECHOES a clear echo is caused when reflected sound at sufficient

intensity reaches a listener approximately 70 msco or more after hears the
direct sound, echoes even if not distinctly discrenable are undesirable in
rooms. they are annoying and make speech less intelligible, the retative
annoyance is dependent on the time delay, and loudness relative to the
direct sound which, in turn, are dependent on the size, position, shape, and
absorption of the reflecting surface.

5. FOCUSING Concave domes, vaults, or walls will focus reflected

sound into certain areas of rooms. This has several disadvantages. For
example, it will deprive some listeners of useful sound reflection and cause
hot spots at other audience positions.

6. CREEP This describes the reflection of sound along a curved

surface from a source near the surface. Although the sound can be heard at
point along the surfaco, it is inaudible away from the surface.

ABSORPTION

The rate which sound is absorbed in a room is a prime factor in reducing

noise and controlling reverberation. All the materials used in the construction
of buildings absorbed some sounds, but proper acoustical control often
requires the use of materials that have been especially designed to function
primarily as sound absorbs. Such materials are popularty known as
'acoustical matenials. These are aiso usco for reduction of noise in office
buildings, hospitals and restaurants.

• COMBUSTIBLE OR FIRE RESISTANT?

• HOW MUCH MIGHT IT WILL REFLECT?

• WHAT ABOUT ITS STRUCTURAL STRENGTH, ABSORPTION OF

WATER, AND AT TRACTION FOR VERMIN?

• HOW FOOLPROOFS IT?

• CAN ITS APPLICATION BE ENTRUSTED TO THE AVERAGE

JOURNEYMAN?

• WHAT IS ITS APPEARANCES, AND WHAT ARE ITS DECORATIVE

POSSIBILITIES?

• HOW MUCH DOES THE MATERIAL COST?

• WILL T BE EXPENSIVE TO INSTALL AND MAINTAIN?

HOW IS SOUND ABSORBED?

A. FIBROUS MATERIALS -occur naturally, from both animal (hair, wool, silk)
and vegelable (cotton, flax, hemp) sources.

• PANEL RESUMATORS - is an enclosed system of air inside a

panel, that communicates with the outside through small openings.

• VOLUME RESONATORS

HOW LONG IT WOULD TAKE FOR NOISE TO DAMAGE YOUR EARS?

30 ₫B - will not cause damage

85 dB - Higher than this level is the beginning of hearing damage (esp after 8
hrs of exposure)

28 dB- such as Lawn mower, City Traffic (damage in 4 hirs)

91 dB - such as hairdryer, garbage disposal (damage in 2 hrs),

94 dB- such as electric drill (damage in 1 hr)

27 dB- such as motorcycle (damage in 30 mins)

100 dB - such as mp3 player, snowmobile (damage in 15 min)

115 dB- such as lent/slower stadium football gime (damage in 30 sec)

120 dB- such as rock concert, ambulance siren (damage in & secons)

125 dB - such as fire alarm, firecracker)

110 dB such as jet engine et take off, gunshot (damage in immediate

hearing)

TYPES OF ACOUSTICAL MATERIALS

3 CATEGORIES
1. PRE FABRICATED UNITS - These include acoustical tile, which is the
principal type of material available for acoustical treatments; mechanically
perforated units backed with absorbent material: and certain all boards, tie
boards, and absorbents sheets.

TYPE 1 - CAST UNITS HAVING A PINED OR GRANULAR APPEARING SURFACE

CLASS A - Mineral units composed of small granular of finely divided particles

with portland cement binder.

CLASS B - Mineral units composed of small granules or finely divided

particles with lime or gypsum binder

CLASS C - Unit composed of small granules or finely divided particles of

mineral or vegetable origin with incombustible mineral binder

PRE FABRICATED UNITS

TYPE II - UNITS HAVING PERFORATED SURFACE;

THE PERFORATIONS TO BE ARRANGED IN A REGULAR PATTERN.

CLASS A - Units having perforated surface which acts as a covering and

support for the sound absorbent material to be strong and durable and
substantially rigid.

CLASS B - units having circular perforations extending into the sound

absorbent materials

CLASS C - units having slots or grooves extending into the sound absorbent
maternal

PRE FABRICATED UNITS

TYPE III- UNITS HAVING A FISSURED SURFACE

TYPE IV - UNITS HAVING A FELTED FIBER SURFACE

2. ACOUSTICAL PLASTERS AND SPRAYED MATERIALS - On materials, these

materia concepts eat polis malarias applied with a trowel; and fibrous
materials, combined with binder agents, which are applied with (sprayed on)
air gun blower.

TYPE I- ACOUSTIC PLASTER

TYPE II- fibrous materials combined with a binder agent and which are
applied by being sprayed on with an air gun or blower

Absorptive Barrier Quilted Curtain

They are made from materials that are specifically designed to block or
absorb sound waves, such as fiberglass or rock wool.

Sailcloth and Vinyl Encapsulated Baffle

Cost effective, lightweight, high acoustical performance, moisture and

chemical resistant. Any large area where noise

and reverberation needs to be reduced

Porous Expanded Polypropylene Wall

Panel (PEPP)

They are typically made from porous materials that are designed to absord
sound waves, rather than reflect them

ACOUSTICAL DEFECTS
 1. Echo - sound waves which have been reflected to a listener
with sufficient magnitude and time delay so as to be perceived separately
from those communicated direcily from the source to the listener.

2. Long-Delayed Reflection - similar to echo except that the time

delay between the perception of direct and reflected sounds is somewhat
less.

3. Sound Shadow - occurs when an area does not receive an

adequate amount of direct and reflected sound.

4. Sound Concentration - sound reflections from concave surfaces

concentrating in an area sometimes referred to as hot spots. The intensity of
sound at hot spots are always at the expense of dead spots.

5. Flutter Echo - a rapid succession of noticeable small echoes

observed when a short burst of sound is produced between parallel sound
reflective surfaces.

6. Coupled Spaces - two rooms adjacent to each other by means

of open doorways, with at least one space being highly reverberant.

7. Distortion - an undesirable change in the quality of musical

sound due to the uneven and excessive sound absorption of the boundary
surfaces at different frequencies.

8. Room Resonance - also called Coloration. Occurs when certain

sounds within a narrow band of frequencies tend to sound louder than other
frequencies.

9. Whispering Gallery - high frequency sounds creeping along

large concave surfacos such as a hemispherical dome.

Polyurethane Foam

It exhibits good sound absorption since sound wave is absorbed with

broadband frequency range starting from 1,000 to 5,000 Hz where the sound
absorption coefficient is higher than 0.6.

Melamine Foam (Wedge/Pyramid)

is a nitrogen-rich compound. The melamine derivatives possess flame
retardant properties, due to the release of nitrogen when burned.

Melamine reacts with formaldehyde and produces thermosetting plastic as a

product.

Acoustic Baffles

sound waves are instead absorbed by the paneling. The baflles' core is
vibrated by sound waves on impact, converting the energy into heat before
it's given a chance to return.

Absorptive Barrier Quilted Curtain

They are made from materials that are specifically designed to block or
absorb sound waves, such as fiberglass or rock wool.

Sailcloth and Vinyl Encapsulated Baffle

Cost effective, lightweight, high acoustical performance. moisture and

chemical resistant. Any large area where noise

and reverberation needs to be reduced.

Porous Expanded Polypropylene Wall

Panel (PEPP)

They are typically made from porous materials that are designed to absorb
sound waves, rather than reflect them

APPLICABLE ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC TREATMENTS

UMP Fabric Sound Insulator

Fastened at edges with tight seal

ALL Floor Carpets

Reduced floor sound reverberation

◦ PLENUM Wallg with Airgap

For dance studios isolating room noise

◦ HARDWOOD Sprung Foor/HDF

For dance studios isolating room noise

◦ POLYURETHANE Foams

Absorbs sound reducing reflections

◦ BONDED Accusical Pane) (BAP)

Absorbs sound reducing reflections

◦ DOUBLE Glazing Widow

High end spaces for insulating sound

◦ PANEL & Membrane Aisorbore

Composed of gypsum sound absorbers

◦ RESILIENT Floor Coupling

Reduce vibration & increase sound isolation

◦ POROUS Absorbent Wateres

Lower band frequency of sound

◦ EGGCRATES

Cheapest sound diffusers

FUNDAMENTALS OF NOISE CONTROL

• Noise: All sounds that are distracting, annoying, or harmful to

everyday activities

• Airborne Noise: sound transmitted through the air only, usually

through continuous air paths, doors, windows, vents, air shafts, etc. These
pathways are called Acoustical Short Circuits.

• Structure-borne Noise: radiated sound setting into vibration of

solid parts of the building
 • The fundamental objective of noise control is to provide an
acceptable acoustical environment

LANDSCAPE ELEMENTS FOR NOISE CONTROL

• Vegetation

o Trees and vegetation are normally NOT effective as noise control barriers. It
is because attenuation from trees is mainly due to branches and leaves,
which is why sound energy near the ground will not be significantly reduced.

o Deciduous trees will provide almost no attenuation

during the months when their leaves have fallen.

o A single row of trees has no value as an acoustical barrier. Thin planting of

trees can provide visual, but not acoustical shielding.

• Many rows of trees have some value as an acoustical barrier.

o Addition of shrubs on the ground will provide

better attenuation.

Earth Berms

• Earth berms are effective isolators if completely covered by

sound-absorbing material, such as plant. o if there are reflective surfaces
along their tops or

deciduous trees, the effectiveness is reduced because it can scatter sound

energy.

• Thin Wall Barters

o Elevated roadbed plus shielding of grass-covered earth berm and thin-wall

barrier can provide useful.
attenuation. However, elevated highways more than 500 ft away can
produce almost the same noise levels as highways at grade level because

the line of sight will not be blocked o Roadbeds below grade can interrupt the
direct sound path from source to receiver even further, thereby providing
greater attenuation by

diffraction. Roadbed depressions of 12 ft. or more are usually needed to

control highway noise.

Attenuation from thin-wall barrier is more effective where there is greater

angle of diffraction.

LAND USE PLANNING FOR NOISE CONTROL

• Zoning

o Industrial and commercial areas may act as

barriers of noise for the benefit of residential occupancies.

o Light industry may be completely surrounded by office and research park

buildings so that the residential areas are protected from industrial and
vehicular traffic noise.

• Sile Planning

o Use of concentrated external parking o Use of cuttings o Use of landscape

embankments

Building Orientation

o Orient the buildings such that the building will be shielded from traffic
noise. Openings and sensitive areas should be located away from source of
noise or near shielded areas.

By angling or staggering the buildings, nolse

build up from courtyards can be reduced.

LECTURE HALLS and CLASSROOMS

• The most important requirement for lecture halls and

classrooms is noise control.

• The Optimum Reverberation Time in lecture halls and

classrooms is 0.4 to 0.7 seconds.

• Lecture halls with volumes of 425 - 570 cu. m. or an audience of

150-200 persons does not require a Sound

Amplification System.

• However, non-amplified speech, directly from sound source to

receiver is hardly understandable beyond 9-12 meters.

• Classrooms with rectangular shapes, level floors, and floor

areas normally between 59-93 sq. m. seldom create any acoustical problems,
even if rear wall is not treated acoustically.

• For such rectangular lecture rooms with a modest capacity, a

diagonal seating layout is recommended as it eliminates parallelism between
walls and utilizes splayed front walls as sound reflectors.

MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUMS and COMMUNITY HALLS

• The problem with most multi-purpose auditoriums is the

unraked or level floor.

• Level floors introduce the following: o difficulty in providing

direct soundo flutter echoes between level ceiling and floor o lack of
absorptive treatment

• Community halls and auditoriums found at the basement of

large churches offer a lot of acoustical problems, primarily the existence of
an excessively long RT (5-8 seconds).