Acoustic Essentials for Architects

The primer on acoustics and sound many architects wish they were offered in school

Abstract: A presentation of acoustical concepts and terminology pertaining to the design and construction of built environments. A low-tech conversational narrative providing descriptions, explanations, and examples of the synergetic relationship bonding architecture and sound.

This peer-reviewed title has recently been picked up by J. Ross Publishing, and will become available for purchase in paperback and e-book formats on May 27, 2025.

Forward by Sam Berkow.

Here are some examples of what you'll find in this book:

§  What is sound and why is it so hard to manage or control?

§  The length of commonly heard, low- and high-frequency sound waves vary by as much as 400:1. Why does this disparity matter?

§  How and why do various audible frequencies behave differently when interacting with various materials, structures, shapes and finishes?

§  Why there are no “one size fits all” solutions.

§  There are three acoustical tools available to both the architect and acoustician. What are they? How can they benefit or hinder the work of each craft?

§  What is the wave/ray duality of sound?

§  Is pure random accident part of your business model?

§  Large rooms vs. small rooms: How and why do acoustical challenges change as rooms become larger or smaller?

§  Room geometry: Why some shapes are much better than others. Examples and explanations.

§  Reverberation and echo: How do they differ? Which is better, or worse, and why? How much reverberation is too much, or too little?

§  New reverberation design goals for 21st century performance venues.

§  What is the Parametric Method of Acoustic Treatment?

§  Speech intelligibility: We all know it matters. What can architects do to help or hinder?

§  Three simple tests: Quick, easy ways to evaluate the basic acoustical merits of a room, without any fancy test equipment or training.

§  Opportunities and trade-offs: Blending architecture, acoustics and pragmatism.

§  Applied Acoustics – The three key feasibility questions.