Impact of coupled volume feature on reverberation time and acoustical characteristics of Süreyya Opera House

Abstract

The coupled spaces with apertures can manifest distinct acoustic behaviors, giving rise to unique reverberation characteristics. These coupled volumes Exchange sound energy through coupling apertures, resembling reverberation chambers, offer a solution for accommodating diverse architectural acoustic requirements. Concurrently, the architectural features of a hall may inherently exhibit coupling. Süreyya Opera House displays the characteristic of coupling with its stage, main hall, and balconies. The primary objective of this study is to examine thoroughly the architectural acoustics of this coupled hall using objective parameters. The methodology employed entails conducting acoustic measurements in the hall utilizing “DIRAC - Room Acoustics Software,” adhering to the requirements of the “ BS EN ISO 3382-1:2009 Acoustics – Measurement of room acoustic parameters” standard, validating the hall’s simulation based on the measurement results in the “ODEON Room Acoustics Software (v14.05)” simulation program, and conducting a detailed analysis of the hall’s architectural acoustics based on objective parameter measurement results and the outputs obtained from the simulation. The examined parameters encompass reverberation time (T30), early decay time (EDT), clarity (C80), definition (D50), and center time (Ts). Several key findings of this study can be summarized as follows: Locations near the stage opening, receive higher early energy levels due to internal stage reflections. As sound waves disperse in the air and over the audience area, energy decreases toward the rear hall and upper-level boxes. Balcony parapets and wooden-clad dividers further limit energy distribution to receivers.