Impact of architectural variables on acoustic perception in concert halls

Acoustic perception in concert halls has been a topic of research of great interest over the last century. It has been studied through physical and subjective parameters. Nevertheless, a concert in an auditorium is a multi-sensorial experience; so that the acoustic perception may be influenced by other non-acoustical attributes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze whether architectural variables (visual component) affect acoustic perception in concert halls and quantify this influence. This analysis was carried out implementing the Semantic Differential method and differentiating among experts and non-experts users. A total of 310 subjects assessed in situ 17 concert halls. Results showed that acoustic perception was influenced by the visual component, and acoustic parameters had an influence on architecture as well. However, when separating both groups, it was found that experts were able to isolate acoustic variables from architecture when evaluating the sound quality of a venue.