Worship Space Acoustics

Book excerpt: Worship Space Acoustics is a unique guide to the design, construction, and use of religious facilities for optimum acoustics. The book is divided into two parts: Part 1 discusses methods and techniques of room optimization – how the acoustics of large and small spaces are designed, implemented, and adjusted, and how acoustical privacy is attained; noise and its control as well as sound reinforcement and numerical and physical modeling techniques. Part 2 provides the architect, student, and lay-person a review of the characteristics of the religious services pertinent to various beliefs and how these are provided for in the acoustic design of spaces in synagogues, churches, and mosques.Key Features • Covers the design, construction, and use of religious facilities for optimum acoustics • Presents the historical background to existing practice, problems, and solutions, to deepen understanding for those involved in design, construction and use • Illustrates both the similarities and differences between facilities for different religious groups • Offers a unique reference for those who teach and study, both in architecture and in religious education