Objective evaluation of a simulation of the acoustics of a medieval urban space used for dramatic performances

This paper explores the use of a computer model to study the acoustics of Stonegate, a street in central York (UK) used as a performance site of the York Mystery Plays in the Middle Ages. A computer model was designed to resemble modern Stonegate due to the state of conservation of many of its fourteenth- and fifteenth- century buildings as well as its dimensions. The virtual model was evaluated objectively by comparing the results for different acoustical parameters obtained through acoustic measurements on site with those derived from the virtual model. The objective comparison showed a high level of accuracy for all parameters studied with the exception of EDT and IACCL. Future work will involve using this initial computer model to study the acoustics of the space in the sixteenth century.