Architectural Acoustics and Education in Acoustics: Computer Modeling in Buildings and the Environment as an Education Tool

Acoustic building modeling in computer programs is very useful in the understanding of room acoustics for venues of various types by architecture and architectural engineering students. Models provide calculation of reverberation time using the Sabine and similar equations as interior materials are changed. Ray tracing can be used to understand the effect of disturbing sound reflections from interior surface shapes and locations. Being able to create impulse responses in a model allows the estimation of reverberation time using Schroeder integration. And, transferring impulse responses to a measurement and analysis program allows determination of early decay time as well as T10, T20, T30 and other sound decay cutoff times. In addition, more advanced students can determine Sound Transmission Class STI, Strength G, Inter-aural Cross Correlation Coefficient IACC, and other acoustic parameters. But, one of the most useful items that can be produced by model impulse responses is auralization. This allows students to hear a simulation of room sound as reverberation time and other acoustic parameters are changed. Examples of using one of the several modeling and analysis programs will be presented.