An Archaeoacoustics Analysis of Cistercian Architecture: The Case of the Beaulieu Abbey

The Cistercian order is of acoustic interest because previous research has hypothesized that architectural structures were designed for longer reverberation times in to reinforce Gregorian chants. presented study focused on an archaeoacacoustics analysis the Beaulieu Abbey (Hampshire, England, UK), using Geometrical Acoustics (GA) recreate and investigate acoustical properties original structure. To construct model Abbey, building’s dimensions layout retrieved from published archaeology comparison with equivalent structures. Absorption scattering coefficients assigned emulate room surface materials’ acoustics properties. CATT-Acoustics was then used perform simplified building Shorter time (RTs) generally observed at higher frequencies all simulated scenarios. Low speech intelligibility index (STI) clarity (C50) values across Abbey’s nave section. Despite limitations given by impossibility calibrate according situ measurements conducted structure, performance suggested how could have been promote sacral music chants, rather than preserve high intelligibility.