What is Acoustics?
Acoustics, in its most general definition, is the science that studies sound. Acoustics, which means "hearing" in ancient Greek, has been translated into Turkish as "echo science".
In architecture, the acoustics are of great importance in improving the sound in the environment and increasing the users' acoustic comfort and spatial experience.
Basic Concepts of Acoustics
The most crucial concept is sound. Waves with energy emanating from a source vibrating at a certain frequency are called sound. In other words, the sound is the periodic pressure changes that can be perceived by the hearing organs of living beings.
Sound can also be defined as the vibrations of air molecules that create the sense of hearing by affecting the human ear, the small air pressure changes caused by these, or the auditory impression caused by this physical event. Some of the most important physical properties of a sound wave are its frequency, pressure, amplitude, intensity, velocity, period, and wavelength.
Architectural Acoustics
Acoustics has many different sub-branches such as archeoacoustics, bioacoustics, psychoacoustics, ultrasonic, etc. One of these sub-branches is architectural acoustics. Sound takes place in all areas of human life and environments and without sound control easily disturbs people. At this point, architectural acoustics come into play. Modern scientific methods in architectural acoustics were first used by the American physicist Wallace Clement Sabine. The acoustic design of the Boston Symphony Hall, which is considered one of the best concert halls in the world due to its acoustics, was made by Sabine.
Architectural acoustics determines the acoustic needs of buildings according to their functions. It can be examined under two main headings building acoustics and room acoustics. Building acoustics can be defined most simply as noise control studies and sound insulation applications are determined according to the function of the building. Room acoustics, on the other hand, produces solutions for determining and providing the acoustic properties of an interior according to its intended use. Room acoustics includes studies such as optimal reflection/reverberation time calculations, first reflections, presence criteria studies, and measures against open echo. At the end of these studies, interior space is obtained, whose acoustic defects are eliminated and acoustically adapted to its intended use. The main purpose of both building and room acoustics is to create acoustically treated spaces with auditory comfort.
What are Acoustic Solutions and Where Are They Used?
Acoustic solutions are designed by considering a wide range of criteria and parameters, including the purpose of use, volume, and capacity of the space. The primary objectives of acoustic regulation are to control noise and sound problems, eliminate naturally occurring echoes and other possible sound problems, and provide users with a more audibly comfortable environment.
Although volumes such as performance centers, operas, theaters, or cultural palaces come to mind when acoustic solutions are mentioned, the volumes that require acoustic solutions are not limited to these. Acoustic solutions are also required for libraries, hotels, sacral places, restaurants, hospitals, schools, kindergartens and nurseries, gyms, offices, and residences Generally, acoustic solutions are a necessity for all building types.
What are Acoustic Materials?
Acoustic material is a widely used market term. It is mainly used for sound absorbing materials, which are used for room acoustics as well as materials used for both noise control and sound insulation. Although this term denotes a type of material produced for a specific purpose, using materials requires a professional approach. It is essential to choose materials suitable for the required acoustic arrangement by knowing the acoustic properties and behavior of the material. Acoustic materials to be used must have test reports and certificates from internationally accredited organizations.
Sound insulation barriers, acoustic isolators, vibration absorbers, soundproof doors or various sound absorbing materials used in room acoustic applications, bass absorbers, diffusers, acoustic fabrics, and curtains used in building acoustic applications can be given as examples of acoustic materials in the market.
Desmus and Acoustic Designs
Desmus ensures that the acoustic conditions, which are the primary focus of functionality and aesthetics, are created most appropriately in spaces that serve multiple users. In their work with a team of experts in the field, they make acoustic designs to bring the spaces to the optimum comfort level for all users in terms of acoustics. National and international criteria, standards, and regulations are taken as the basis for all acoustic calculations, simulations, and project design works required to provide acoustic conditions suitable for use of the space. One of the most important elements of cultural architecture, building, and room acoustics consultancy services is included in the process at the very first stage of the project. They work with architects, contractors, and all field teams by coordinating all disciplines from the design stage to the completion of the applications.
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