VVZ API is not affiliated with ETH Zurich. Data might be outdated or incorrect. Please view the official ETHZ Vorlesungsverzeichnis for binding information.
Architectural Acoustics I
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:10
Abstract
This course introduces acoustics and its practical applications in architecture and room design. Students will learn about key concepts such as reflection, absorption, and diffusion, as well as room acoustics, physiological acoustics, psychoacoustics, and electroacoustics, through lectures and exercises. Upon completion, students can apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
Objective
Knowledge Acquisition: After completing the course, students can demonstrate a solid understanding of the fundamental concepts and principles of acoustics, including room acoustics, physiological acoustics, psychoacoustics, and electroacoustics, and associate the interplay of acoustics and architecture. Application of Mathematical and Physical Concepts: Students can apply basic mathematical and physical concepts, such as decibels (dB) and reverberation time, to discuss and moderate problems related to acoustics in the built environment, including room design and simulation methods. Critical Thinking and Analysis: Students understand acoustic room design's historical and current practices, including artistic and non-artistic scenarios. They can analyse the relationship between room acoustics and architecture based on historical and philosophical considerations. Human Perception of Sound: Students can associate human perception of sound and its implications in the design of acoustic environments. They can implement this knowledge to create optimal acoustic experiences in various architectural situations. Application of Acoustic Principles in Real-World Scenarios: Students can apply their knowledge of acoustics to real-world scenarios through exercises, projects, and student-led initiatives related to acoustics in the arts, generative aspects, and practical applications within architecture. They understand the accuracy and limitations of acoustic simulations compared to their real-world implementations. Multidisciplinary Approach: Through guest speaker lectures and discussions, students recognise the multidisciplinary nature of acoustics, its relationship with architecture, coworking, building acoustics, and creative applications. Communication and Presentation, active Participation in Acoustic Discussions: Students can actively engage in discussions about the acoustic properties of architectural designs, demonstrating effective communication skills to articulate their ideas, insights, and critiques related to room acoustics and overall acoustic performance. Thereby students can produce the bridge between the visual and the acoustic properties of different architectural design drafts. Sensitisation in Hearing and Aware Perception: Students develop the ability to actively and sensitively perceive and analyse the acoustic environments in their everyday lives, demonstrating awareness of various sound sources, their characteristics, and their impact on human perception. They can apply this awareness to evaluate and optimise acoustic experiences in different settings. Critical Evaluation and Comparison of Acoustic Properties in Architectural Design: Students can evaluate and compare the acoustic properties of different architectural design elements and strategies, such as reflection, absorption, diffusion, and sound transmission, considering their impact on room acoustics and human perception. Moreover, based on evidence-based evaluation and comparison, they can make informed decisions and recommendations for optimising acoustic properties in architectural design.
Content
The course begins with an introduction to room acoustics, physiological acoustics, psychoacoustics, and electroacoustics, focusing on spatial recording and reproduction. Basic math and physics concepts, such as decibels (dB) and reverberation time, are covered to provide a foundation for understanding acoustics principles. We delve into the basics of room acoustics with the concepts of reflection, absorption, and diffusion, as well as simulation methods and key design parameters. We then focus on five aspects of sound related to architecture: loudness, sound colour, space impression, localisation, and direct sound. Beginning with antique theatres and Virtuv's description of how to design them, the common background of the theory of proportion and harmony is explained. We explore audible space impressions in daily life acoustics and our capability to localise sound sources. We look closer at two iconic architectural buildings and their specific acoustics, the "Festspielhaus Bayreuth" and the Philipps-Pavilion. The course examines how using headphones, computer audio, and sound systems in our daily lives made electroacoustics and its application in room acoustics simulation and auralisation a tool for acoustic design in architecture. We continue by discussing guidelines and norms in the design, realisation, and validation of acoustic projects and compare simulations with real-world objects in back-to-back comparisons. The course also focuses on special topics such as the acoustics of small rooms, low-frequency acoustics, and active noise control. Lastly, guest speakers talk about office space acoustics and coworking environments in the context of the hybridisation of work, building acoustics and common denominators with room acoustics, acoustics of public spaces, and creative applications, rounding out the content and broadening the focus outside the box. The course format is a 1-hour lecture followed by a 2-hour exercise session. Together with a final short student project, they provide students with a comprehensive understanding of acoustics and its practical applications in various settings, enabling them to apply their knowledge of acoustics in real-world scenarios.
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- graded semester performance
Registration & Places
- Max Places
- 22
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise |
Architectural Acoustics I
No course on 26.10 (seminar week) and in the last two semester weeks.
|
|
3 h weekly |