What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to understand the acoustic performance of a historical concert hall renovation while addressing measurement challenges.

May 14, 2026

Challenges of in situ measurement and prediction of absorptive materials: A case study of a historical concert hall renovation

Puntos clave

The aim is to understand the acoustic performance of a historical concert hall renovation while addressing measurement challenges.
Utilized in situ measurement for absorption coefficients of existing materials.
Employed genetic algorithm optimization to align measured results with expected outcomes.
Designed bespoke thin bass absorbers and selected fabrics for minimal sound absorption.
Measured absorption coefficients were effectively predicted using theoretical models in the test chambers.
Significant decrease in reverberation was achieved at low frequencies while maintaining performance conditions.
Challenges in measurement were discussed, including project constraints related to heritage materials.

Resumen

The characterization of absorptive properties of surfaces is essential to an understanding of the acoustic performance of a room for music. When dealing with renovation projects, gaining information as to the existing acoustic properties of existing materials can be challenging due to a mix of project constraints including heritage, scheduling of works and (in some cases) safety. A case study of renovation of a heritage concert hall is presented that included a mix of retained heritage finishes and non-heritage acoustic finishes from the 1960s. A decrease in the reverberation in rehearsal mode was needed (particularly at low frequency) without overly reducing the performance conditions. Existing absorption coefficients of some room materials were estimated using in situ measurement of absorption and genetic algorithm optimization to fit measured results. Some of the challenges and limitations of in situ measurement are discussed. Bespoke thin (2”) bass absorbers had to be designed while new fabric for new blackout curtains had to be selected for minimal sound absorption properties. A comparison of predicted and measured absorption coefficients of designed and reference absorbers is made comparing theory and measurements within a reduced size Alpha Cabin test chamber and a full scale reverberation chamber.

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