Desenho Acústico de um Espaço

Abstract

The acoustics of spaces whose purpose is the acoustic communication through the word, namely the classrooms, is a subject that has not been given due importance in architectural projects, with consequences in the existence of adverse acoustic conditions, which affects daily the learning of the students and the well-being of teachers. This problem arises from the lack of awareness in the stage of the project of the space on the acoustic specifications necessary for the purpose of the same. It is known in acoustic science that, if the space is used for communication by means of the word, then the intelligibility of the transmission of the same will only be assured by deliberate attention and should therefore be a factor to be taken into account.This is, however, a well-known problem, found in several engineering studies and in measurements previously made in lecture spaces. It was also through direct contact with the problem and the perception of its impact that it became necessary to intervene. In the course of previous studies in this and similar spaces of FEUP, a clear diagnosis of the problem was achieved and some interventions were carried out with results in some interesting cases. However, in the successful case, it was found that the changes made in the room were quite large and expensive, making it difficult to generalize to all faculty.Thus, the need arises to develop this study in which one intends to analyze to intervene. It was chosen a space of classes of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Porto, more precisely amphitheater B013, with a criterion of generality, in which it is intended to evaluate the existing acoustic conditions and to compare with those that are known to be necessary for the acoustic communication effect.For this, several measurements were made in the space to conclude whether the acoustic parameters are within the appropriate range. Reverberation time (RT), rapid speech transmission index (RASTI), and other acoustic parameters were measured and analyzed using Matlab software.An acoustic model of the amphitheater was also developed in the EASE software, in which it is possible to obtain simulated results for the previously measured parameters, to compare them and to introduce changes in the model to perceive their impact in the real space.Finally, possible solutions are presented in the acoustic domain and also using electroacoustic sound reinforcement to correct the functioning of the space under analysis, aiming to provide a better acoustic comfort and communicational effectiveness for the people who use it.