Acoustic Design and Simulation

Predicting the sound field in spaces in the build environment, both indoors and outdoors, is of high importance in the field of acoustics, both in design and construction environments. In the industry, prediction methods are indispensable, for example in the development of acoustic related products. Also, predicting the acoustic performance of spaces by utilizing simulation tools is a widely used approach being favoured over time-costly scale model studies. In acoustic design environments, predicting methods are used to develop new concepts of buildings, or building elements, to create acoustics protecting humans against adverse health effects and promoting well-being, performance (e.g. in working environments) as well as the acoustic quality of performance spaces like concert halls.

Nowadays , a major challenge for the development of acoustic prediction methods is generating a realistic and real-time auralization of spaces. The acoustic performance of space has, for a long time, been evaluated by metrics related to amongst others the equivalent sound pressure level, and the decay of the sound level in a space over time. The perceptual appreciation of a sound environment cannot be captured by such metrices only. Time dependent effects, such as the effect of moving source and/or receiver and arising associations related to the nature of the source of the sound field determine how subject perceive it. To support the design of perceptual evaluation of sound fields, prediction methods realistically computing the time-dependent sound field are therefore incredibly important. A design thread receiving much attention in this respect soundscaping. In noise control, soundscaping implies that a positive sound field is strived for, whereby the sound field is composed of both natural and human-made sounds. Besides being supportive for perceptual design, auralization methods are also useful as a design tool for buildings, and in the communication of noise control measures to the public in an environmental setting (how doe it sound in your back garden when a noise screen will be erected ?).