Architectural Acoustics

Acoustics as a branch of physics involves heavy mathematics, and the practice of architectural acoustics involves knowledge of a broad range of subjects. For these reasons, many people believe that good acoustics are almost impossible to obtain and exist only in concert halls. With a solid understanding of the basics, however, rooms with good acoustics are not as hard to design and build as people might think.
This work describes acoustics and the factors to be considered in constructing a room or building with good sound quality. Among the topics covered are intonation, tuning and temperaments of classical music, environmental noise, noise and vibration control, sound measurement, sound systems, acoustic models, and acoustical design for various settings and purposes, including acoustics for chamber music, synagogues, churches, and classrooms.
The work looks at places like Clemens Theatre, Congress Hall, Binns Rehearsal Room, and Philharmonic Hall, to name just a few, as models of small and large buildings with excellent acoustics. Many diagrams and other illustrations enhance the text.

Christopher N. Brooks operates Orpheus Acoustics, a consulting firm for architectural acoustics. He has played violin and viola in numerous symphony orchestras in Europe and America, including the Seville (Spain) Symphony, the Frysk Orkest (Leeuwarden, Netherlands), Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, and Lancaster Symphony Orchestra. He lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

Christopher N. Brooks
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 155
Bibliographic Info: photos, diagrams, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2003
pISBN: 978-0-7864-1398-0
eISBN: 978-1-4766-1462-5
Imprint: McFarland

Preface     1
Introduction     5

1 What Is Classical Music?     9
2 What Is Acoustics?     18
3 Acoustical Design     67
4 Rooms for Listening     94
5 Acoustical Excellence     120

Afterword     131
Notes     133
Annotated Bibliography     139
Index     141

“down-to-earth…humanistic…highly recommended”—Choice.