SOUND
ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS Architectural Acoustics is a discipline of Physics applied in Architecture, therefore most problems require a multidisciplinary approach. It deals with the sound in buildings, (e.g. The acoustic design of auditoria, theatres, sound studios etc. and addresses problems of Sound insulation, Absorption, Diffusion, Noise Control and Vibration isolation. The profession of acoustics is rare in Cyprus, in spite of the fact that our buildings are more likely to need acoustic treatment, than in most other countries.
The main reasons for this are: a) The typical construction materials used in our country of cement, plastered walls, glass, wood laminate, ceramic, and granite are all acoustically hard, which means that our buildings suffer from excessive reverberation; the lack of soft furnishings (e.g. curtains, carpets, etc.) aggravates the problem. b) In addition, the popular modern aesthetic of minimalism which dictates large, flat, bare, hard surfaces, minimum furniture and ornaments further accentuates the problem c) Modern building materials and methods make possible the construction of large spaces which are extremely reverberant (e.g. churches, sports centers, closed swimming pools, entertainment venues, youth centers, lecture theaters, etc.). The result is very muddled speech and noisy environment. d) ‘Open’ type offices, classrooms, apartments…offer certain advantages but hey tend to be problematic. Acoustically they are ‘sheer madness’ because they make sound insulation between different areas difficult to impossible. e) The ever increasing cost of living space, especially in city dwelling, forces people to live in closer proximity which increases the ikelihood of noise annoyance. f) Cyprus legislation does not enforce acoustic compliance for building permits. This fact, by itself, explains why t he profession of the acoustical consultant is more necessary here than elsewhere, yet practically nonexistent
Buildings designed without acoustic considerations often cannot serve their intended purpose. Many kindergarten schools are so noisy that hinder children’s development and subject their personnel to awful working conditions. Typical school classrooms fail both the teachers and the students making teaching and learning ineffective. Open type Offices compromise the creativity and productivity of their workers Noisy Hospitals actually increase therapy time Churches with bad acoustics cannot deliver the word of God and repel away their congregation. In noisy, reverberant restaurants guests suffer from acoustic discomfort and feeling of isolation and promise themselves not to go back again. 46 ARCHITECTURE & DE.CO.RE.
