Reconsidering Acoustical Design for Traditional Chinese Courtyard Theater in Taiwan

Traditional Chinese courtyard theaters in Taiwan possess a unique architectural and performative identity, distinct from Western-style proscenium theaters that dominate contemporary performance venues. These Western configurations often impose spatial and acoustic constraints that hinder the authentic expression of traditional Chinese opera. In contrast, courtyard-style theaters—characterized by open-air layouts and architectural enclosures—offer inherent acoustic advantages rooted in structural coupling and boundary reflections. This study focuses on the Da-Hua Hall at the Wu-Feng Lin Family Mansion, employing on site acoustic measurements to characterize its sound environment not only distribute sound energy and calibrate a sound tracing and a wave-based simulation model. The finite element method framework enables precise modeling of low-frequency acoustic phenomena, including modal behavior and resonance, which were conducted to assess the impact of stage permeability, vessel geometry, and wall-mounted resonators on acoustic parameters. The results demonstrate that the interaction between sub-stage resonators and architectural elements, specifically the width of stage floorboard joints and the presence of embedded jars, significantly influences acoustic performance, notably affecting the distribution of sound waves. These findings underscore the acoustically responsive architectural design in preserving the sonic integrity of traditional Chinese opera and highlight the value of simulation-based approaches in heritage research.