The theatres of Antiquity, Greek and Roman, constitute public buildings of the utmost importance ... more The theatres of Antiquity, Greek and Roman, constitute public buildings of the utmost importance in the history of Western culture and in universal cultural heritage. Many of these spaces are being used for their original function with or without only minor adaptations. If they are well preserved and/or restored, these performance buildings attract large audiences to representations of classical and contemporary plays, thereby serving the purpose for which they were built in the Ancient Age. These theatres bear witness to the existing relationship between architectural work, visual and acoustic experience, and dramatic art. Although the majority are located in the Mediterranean region, these structures were also built in the major cities of the ancient world in Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, and beyond. This paper aims to summarise and critically review research published in the literature regarding their acoustic aspects, with particular emphasis on Roman theatres. These...
ABSTRACT This paper deals with measurements of early and late support parameters on the stages of... more ABSTRACT This paper deals with measurements of early and late support parameters on the stages of 9 concert halls within the theatre heritage of Andalusia (southern Spain). The enclosures under investigation belong to two main categories of buildings: 7 proscenium theatres of two typologies (horseshoe-shaped and shoebox-shaped ground plans) and 2 auditoria. Wherever possible, measurements covered the two configurations with and without orchestra shells on the stages. The experimental procedure was carried out according to the ISO 3382-1 where monophonic impulse responses were measured using sine sweep signals in the 125-4000 Hz octave band range on the stage and in the audience area. The experimental results of support parameters versus frequency are compared with their predictions through the diffuse field theory using the reverberation times measured in the halls. The relationships of spectrally averaged support parameters with architectural elements of the enclosure of the stage are studied. Results show that the most significant regressions are for early support with the volume of the stage enclosure and its height/width ratio. The differences found in support measures due to the addition of the orchestra shells are also examined.
ABSTRACT Speech intelligibility in these places of worship has been assessed through a study of t... more ABSTRACT Speech intelligibility in these places of worship has been assessed through a study of the spatial distribution of the RASTI and the energy-based acoustic parameters, clarity for speech, C50 and definition, D50. Parameters have been obtained by intensity-modulated stationary noise (IMN) signals and by maximum length sequence (MLS) signals in order to obtain the impulse responses. The 12 churches analysed correspond to the same highly characteristic architectural typology of southern Spain, and measurements were taken without occupancy. A full correlation between those RASTI, C50 and D50 parameters produced by different experimental techniques has been carried out. This correlation has lead to a more profound characterization of these churches from this functional point of view, together with an analysis of the capability of each parameter to take into account the different aspects in the degradation of the signal from speaker to listener in a room, and has also lead to a study of the subjective range of qualification of the energy-based acoustic parameters. Simultaneously, a comparison has been made of the values of those variables with those expected from a semi-empirical model deduced for these religious spaces.
I Congreso Internacional El Patrimonio Cultural Y Natural Como Motor De Desarrollo Investigacion E Innovacion Dvd 2012 Isbn 978 84 7993 225 1 Pags 2454 2470, 2012
The growing interest over recent decades in acoustic behaviour of heritage buildings has been tri... more The growing interest over recent decades in acoustic behaviour of heritage buildings has been triggered by the focus on providing new information about their cultural character. This work describes the acoustic aspects of the main cathedrals of Andalusia, vast places of worship nowadays conceived as multifunctional enclosures capable of housing a large audience. Following a methodology based on measuring the monaural and binaural impulse responses, acoustic parameters are determined, associated with the various uses of each cathedral. The monumental size of these buildings and the characteristics of the materials used in their construction make cathedrals highly reverberant spaces.
This work deals with some monaural acoustic parameters that evaluate the speech intelligibility i... more This work deals with some monaural acoustic parameters that evaluate the speech intelligibility in eight churches in the city of Seville of a similar architectural style: Mudejar is a synthesis of two cultures, Christian gothic and Muslim. STI measurements at 500 Hz and 2 kHz central band frequencies are compared with spectral D definition indices at several location points. Similarly RASTI data are compared to averaged D indices for their correlation. Some interesting conclusions follow from this analysis.
The Catholic Cathedral of Malaga (southern Spain), located in the historical centre, is the most ... more The Catholic Cathedral of Malaga (southern Spain), located in the historical centre, is the most emblematic building of the city. Its construction began in 1528 and was completed in 1782, suffering several interruptions and modifications at the hands of various architects, and hence various architectural styles are superimposed: the interior is Renaissance and the façade is predominantly Baroque. Rectangular in shape, it has three naves of the same height, with the central nave being the widest. In this work, a 3D model of this ecclesiastical space is created in order to carry out an acoustic simulation of its sound field by using the simulation algorithms of CATT Acoustic software implemented in the new TUCT calculation motor (The Universal Cone Tracer). The virtual model created is calibrated through an iterative process of adjustment of reverberation times simulated in such a way that they differ by no more than 5% from those measured. These measured values were obtained from the...
The Cathedral of Jaen is one of the gems of Spanish Renaissance architecture, which served as a m... more The Cathedral of Jaen is one of the gems of Spanish Renaissance architecture, which served as a model for the construction of other cathedrals in Spain and America. Its experimental acoustic parameters have been determined, and employed to adjust a 3D model in order to virtually recreate its current acoustic behaviour. This model provides a basis for the analysis of acoustics of historical events and of possible future interventions. In this paper, the results of this adjustment process are presented and the acoustic behaviour of the space is analysed in terms of the values of measured and simulated parameters for the preeminent position of the source: the high altar.
In this work, simulation techniques have been implemented to study the sound fields of a multi-co... more In this work, simulation techniques have been implemented to study the sound fields of a multi-configurable performance enclosure by creating computer acoustic 3D-models for each room configuration. The digital models have been tuned by means of an iterative fitting procedure that uses the reverberation times measured on site for unoccupied conditions with the orchestra shell on the stage. The initial virtual acoustic model is validated by comparing the other monaural and binaural acoustic parameters measured in the room in terms of their perception differential threshold. The procedure is applied to the Maestranza Theatre of Seville, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1992. The spatial distribution of the acoustic parameters in the audience area of the venue by measured parameters and simulation mappings enables the establishment of three zones of acoustic comfort, and are corroborated by the values of the Ando-Beranek function which provide a global quality coefficient of each ...
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2009
In this paper, an iterative process is used in order to estimate the values of absorption coeffic... more In this paper, an iterative process is used in order to estimate the values of absorption coefficients of those materials of which little is known in the literature, so that an acoustic simulation can be carried out in Mudejar-Gothic churches. The estimation of the scattering coefficients, which is even less developed, is based on the size of the irregularities. This methodology implemented is applied to six Mudejar-Gothic churches of Seville (southern Spain). The simulated monophonic acoustic parameters, both in the frequency domain and as a function of source-receiver distance (spatial distribution), are analyzed and compared with the in situ measures. Good agreement has been found between these sets of values, whereby each parameter is discussed in terms of the just noticeable difference. This procedure for existing buildings, especially for those which are rich in heritage, enables a reliable evaluation of the effect on the maintenance, restoration, and conditioning for new uses, as well as the recreation of the acoustic environment of ancient times. Along these lines, the acoustic influence of the timber roof and the presence of the public in these churches have also been studied.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2005
This paper describes the preliminary results of research work in acoustics, conducted in a set of... more This paper describes the preliminary results of research work in acoustics, conducted in a set of 12 Mudejar-Gothic churches in the city of Seville in the south of Spain. Despite common architectural style, the churches feature individual characteristics and have volumes ranging from 3947 to 10 708 m3. Acoustic parameters were measured in unoccupied churches according to the ISO-3382 standard. An extensive experimental study was carried out using impulse response analysis through a maximum length sequence measurement system in each church. It covered aspects such as reverberation (reverberation times, early decay times), distribution of sound levels (sound strength); early to late sound energy parameters derived from the impulse responses (center time, clarity for speech, clarity, definition, lateral energy fraction), and speech intelligibility (rapid speech transmission index), which all take both spectral and spatial distribution into account. Background noise was also measured to obtain the NR indices. The study describes the acoustic field inside each temple and establishes a discussion for each one of the acoustic descriptors mentioned by using the theoretical models available and the principles of architectural acoustics. Analysis of the quality of the spaces for music and speech is carried out according to the most widespread criteria for auditoria.
The theatres of Antiquity, Greek and Roman, constitute public buildings of the utmost importance ... more The theatres of Antiquity, Greek and Roman, constitute public buildings of the utmost importance in the history of Western culture and in universal cultural heritage. Many of these spaces are being used for their original function with or without only minor adaptations. If they are well preserved and/or restored, these performance buildings attract large audiences to representations of classical and contemporary plays, thereby serving the purpose for which they were built in the Ancient Age. These theatres bear witness to the existing relationship between architectural work, visual and acoustic experience, and dramatic art. Although the majority are located in the Mediterranean region, these structures were also built in the major cities of the ancient world in Europe, the Middle East, northern Africa, and beyond. This paper aims to summarise and critically review research published in the literature regarding their acoustic aspects, with particular emphasis on Roman theatres. These...
ABSTRACT This paper deals with measurements of early and late support parameters on the stages of... more ABSTRACT This paper deals with measurements of early and late support parameters on the stages of 9 concert halls within the theatre heritage of Andalusia (southern Spain). The enclosures under investigation belong to two main categories of buildings: 7 proscenium theatres of two typologies (horseshoe-shaped and shoebox-shaped ground plans) and 2 auditoria. Wherever possible, measurements covered the two configurations with and without orchestra shells on the stages. The experimental procedure was carried out according to the ISO 3382-1 where monophonic impulse responses were measured using sine sweep signals in the 125-4000 Hz octave band range on the stage and in the audience area. The experimental results of support parameters versus frequency are compared with their predictions through the diffuse field theory using the reverberation times measured in the halls. The relationships of spectrally averaged support parameters with architectural elements of the enclosure of the stage are studied. Results show that the most significant regressions are for early support with the volume of the stage enclosure and its height/width ratio. The differences found in support measures due to the addition of the orchestra shells are also examined.
ABSTRACT Speech intelligibility in these places of worship has been assessed through a study of t... more ABSTRACT Speech intelligibility in these places of worship has been assessed through a study of the spatial distribution of the RASTI and the energy-based acoustic parameters, clarity for speech, C50 and definition, D50. Parameters have been obtained by intensity-modulated stationary noise (IMN) signals and by maximum length sequence (MLS) signals in order to obtain the impulse responses. The 12 churches analysed correspond to the same highly characteristic architectural typology of southern Spain, and measurements were taken without occupancy. A full correlation between those RASTI, C50 and D50 parameters produced by different experimental techniques has been carried out. This correlation has lead to a more profound characterization of these churches from this functional point of view, together with an analysis of the capability of each parameter to take into account the different aspects in the degradation of the signal from speaker to listener in a room, and has also lead to a study of the subjective range of qualification of the energy-based acoustic parameters. Simultaneously, a comparison has been made of the values of those variables with those expected from a semi-empirical model deduced for these religious spaces.
I Congreso Internacional El Patrimonio Cultural Y Natural Como Motor De Desarrollo Investigacion E Innovacion Dvd 2012 Isbn 978 84 7993 225 1 Pags 2454 2470, 2012
The growing interest over recent decades in acoustic behaviour of heritage buildings has been tri... more The growing interest over recent decades in acoustic behaviour of heritage buildings has been triggered by the focus on providing new information about their cultural character. This work describes the acoustic aspects of the main cathedrals of Andalusia, vast places of worship nowadays conceived as multifunctional enclosures capable of housing a large audience. Following a methodology based on measuring the monaural and binaural impulse responses, acoustic parameters are determined, associated with the various uses of each cathedral. The monumental size of these buildings and the characteristics of the materials used in their construction make cathedrals highly reverberant spaces.
This work deals with some monaural acoustic parameters that evaluate the speech intelligibility i... more This work deals with some monaural acoustic parameters that evaluate the speech intelligibility in eight churches in the city of Seville of a similar architectural style: Mudejar is a synthesis of two cultures, Christian gothic and Muslim. STI measurements at 500 Hz and 2 kHz central band frequencies are compared with spectral D definition indices at several location points. Similarly RASTI data are compared to averaged D indices for their correlation. Some interesting conclusions follow from this analysis.
The Catholic Cathedral of Malaga (southern Spain), located in the historical centre, is the most ... more The Catholic Cathedral of Malaga (southern Spain), located in the historical centre, is the most emblematic building of the city. Its construction began in 1528 and was completed in 1782, suffering several interruptions and modifications at the hands of various architects, and hence various architectural styles are superimposed: the interior is Renaissance and the façade is predominantly Baroque. Rectangular in shape, it has three naves of the same height, with the central nave being the widest. In this work, a 3D model of this ecclesiastical space is created in order to carry out an acoustic simulation of its sound field by using the simulation algorithms of CATT Acoustic software implemented in the new TUCT calculation motor (The Universal Cone Tracer). The virtual model created is calibrated through an iterative process of adjustment of reverberation times simulated in such a way that they differ by no more than 5% from those measured. These measured values were obtained from the...
The Cathedral of Jaen is one of the gems of Spanish Renaissance architecture, which served as a m... more The Cathedral of Jaen is one of the gems of Spanish Renaissance architecture, which served as a model for the construction of other cathedrals in Spain and America. Its experimental acoustic parameters have been determined, and employed to adjust a 3D model in order to virtually recreate its current acoustic behaviour. This model provides a basis for the analysis of acoustics of historical events and of possible future interventions. In this paper, the results of this adjustment process are presented and the acoustic behaviour of the space is analysed in terms of the values of measured and simulated parameters for the preeminent position of the source: the high altar.
In this work, simulation techniques have been implemented to study the sound fields of a multi-co... more In this work, simulation techniques have been implemented to study the sound fields of a multi-configurable performance enclosure by creating computer acoustic 3D-models for each room configuration. The digital models have been tuned by means of an iterative fitting procedure that uses the reverberation times measured on site for unoccupied conditions with the orchestra shell on the stage. The initial virtual acoustic model is validated by comparing the other monaural and binaural acoustic parameters measured in the room in terms of their perception differential threshold. The procedure is applied to the Maestranza Theatre of Seville, built for the Universal Exhibition in 1992. The spatial distribution of the acoustic parameters in the audience area of the venue by measured parameters and simulation mappings enables the establishment of three zones of acoustic comfort, and are corroborated by the values of the Ando-Beranek function which provide a global quality coefficient of each ...
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2009
In this paper, an iterative process is used in order to estimate the values of absorption coeffic... more In this paper, an iterative process is used in order to estimate the values of absorption coefficients of those materials of which little is known in the literature, so that an acoustic simulation can be carried out in Mudejar-Gothic churches. The estimation of the scattering coefficients, which is even less developed, is based on the size of the irregularities. This methodology implemented is applied to six Mudejar-Gothic churches of Seville (southern Spain). The simulated monophonic acoustic parameters, both in the frequency domain and as a function of source-receiver distance (spatial distribution), are analyzed and compared with the in situ measures. Good agreement has been found between these sets of values, whereby each parameter is discussed in terms of the just noticeable difference. This procedure for existing buildings, especially for those which are rich in heritage, enables a reliable evaluation of the effect on the maintenance, restoration, and conditioning for new uses, as well as the recreation of the acoustic environment of ancient times. Along these lines, the acoustic influence of the timber roof and the presence of the public in these churches have also been studied.
The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2005
This paper describes the preliminary results of research work in acoustics, conducted in a set of... more This paper describes the preliminary results of research work in acoustics, conducted in a set of 12 Mudejar-Gothic churches in the city of Seville in the south of Spain. Despite common architectural style, the churches feature individual characteristics and have volumes ranging from 3947 to 10 708 m3. Acoustic parameters were measured in unoccupied churches according to the ISO-3382 standard. An extensive experimental study was carried out using impulse response analysis through a maximum length sequence measurement system in each church. It covered aspects such as reverberation (reverberation times, early decay times), distribution of sound levels (sound strength); early to late sound energy parameters derived from the impulse responses (center time, clarity for speech, clarity, definition, lateral energy fraction), and speech intelligibility (rapid speech transmission index), which all take both spectral and spatial distribution into account. Background noise was also measured to obtain the NR indices. The study describes the acoustic field inside each temple and establishes a discussion for each one of the acoustic descriptors mentioned by using the theoretical models available and the principles of architectural acoustics. Analysis of the quality of the spaces for music and speech is carried out according to the most widespread criteria for auditoria.
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Papers by Sara Giron