AE 309Fundamentals of Architectural Acoustics

3 credits · Architectural Engineering · Penn State

This course introduces students to the acoustical analysis and design of buildings by having a fundamental understanding of the physics of sound including frequency, wavelength, sound pressure, and the human auditory system. The course encompasses four distinct areas of study: (1) fundamentals of acoustics, (2) room acoustics, (3) sound isolation, and (4) human hearing. A key goal of the course is to equip students with the skills to provide building occupants with high-quality listening environments that minimize intrusion by offending noises. The course also overviews the acoustical performance of typical building materials. By manipulating architectural materials and geometric configurations, students learn to improve acoustical performance of a building, specifically reverberation time for interior room acoustics and sound transmission class for sound isolation. By the end of the course, students will be able to: perform calculations related to sound pressure level, sound power level, weighted average absorption coefficient, reverberation time, and sound transmission class; design rooms in terms of a suitable reverberation time; and design sound isolation between rooms in terms of a suitable partition selection. Through lectures, practicums, projects, and examinations, the concepts of acoustical design are delivered and reinforced. The course offers students the opportunity to work in a team setting.