AES Dublin 2019
Tutorial T11
Thursday, March 21, 09:30 — 10:30 (Liffey A)
T11 - Uncovering the Acoustic Treasures of Cathedrals: The Use of Acoustic Measurements and Computer Modeling to Preserve Intangible Heritage
Presenter:Lidia Alvarez Morales, Department of Theatre, Film and Television, University of York - York, North Yorkshire, UK
The last decades have seen an increase in interest in the study and preservation of the acoustics of worship sites considering their sound as part of their intangible heritage. This tutorial delves deep into the concepts and the methodology needed to characterize the acoustic field of cathedrals, which are an essential part of Europe’s cultural, architectural, and artistic heritage. Its aim is to serve as a guideline on how measurement techniques are applied to register monaural, binaural, and ambisonic room impulse responses, as well as on how simulation techniques can be used to assess the influence of occupancy or to recreate their acoustic field throughout history.
This tutorial is linked to three funded projects: two Spanish national projects on the Acoustics and Virtual Reality in Spanish Cathedrals, and the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship “Cathedral Acoustics,” which highlights the importance of acoustics as an essential element of the intangible heritage of cathedrals, defying the traditional focus on visual heritage.