Places shape sounds as sound shapes
places. Sound is not commonly thought of
when first observing the architecture of a space but once one takes sound into
consideration it is amazing to see how much sound is influenced/influences a
space in relation to the type of architecture.
I think, less often we use architecture to alter our sounds as people
did previously. Now we manipulate sounds
within spaces with acoustical panels and materials used more so than shaping a
building or room to alter sound. From
reading “Hearing Architecture”, is seems that architecture wasn’t originally
shaped because of sounds but architecture shaped sound.
As many of us have read and
experienced, the most common building material used in old Churches and
buildings around was stone which is considered a hard material. Sounds reflect off of stone because hard
materials do not absorb sounds just as it does not absorb light. It was really interesting to read in the
article how people shaped sounds, sounds we relate to today, based off of the
architecture within a building. As the article reads, “The walls were powerful
instruments that people used play on.”
When I was in Europe several years ago we traveled throughout Italy
visiting many old churches and Cathedrals.
When standing inside one of these vast churches I immediately felt in
awe because of the architecture. I felt
small and insignificant in the realm of this holy world. In several of the
churches there was a priest reading a sermon but rather as the article says,
singing, in different tones, a sermon.
At the time I did not know this rhythmic way of speaking was in relation
to the shape and design of the churches.
I remember that the sounds that echoed throughout the church
complemented the emotions felt from seeing the architecture and made me feel as
if God himself was echoing throughout the space.
As people began to realize just how
much they can manipulate ones experience within a building based on the architecture
and shape of a building new materials were considered along with new
architectural features and design shapes.
The dome is a really interesting design that helps to trap and
reverberate sounds throughout a located space.
For example, at the Friendly Center movie theater there is a huge
circular space as one enters the theater.
This circular space has a huge dome overhead. This dome creates a space that when walking
through when people speak their voices are echoed. This is a pretty cool feature
within the theater that serves as a nice contrast to the actually theater
space. This space is usually lined with
cloth walls, carpet, and cloth chairs.
This keeps the movie from echoing throughout the space so it is clear to
hear what is going on. The carpet and
other soft materials also absorb any sound made by people within the theater so
the sound of the movie can be heard.
It is really interesting to see how sound and
architecture correlates to give people certain experiences within spaces. Architecture serves as a good way to
manipulate sounds within spaces. I
believe, in previous times was more appealing the way sound was altered to give
certain experiences within spaces. Now,
as architecture has changed and become more contemporary, we look back at what
our predecessors learned about materials, design, and sound and try to learn
how we best can manipulate sound within spaces.
Now we have technologies such as acoustical panels that help to direct
and absorb the transfer of sound within spaces.
It is interesting to see, with further research just how we can use
sound and design to create experiences/ improve experiences within spaces.
