The evaluation of acoustics of mosques with computer simulation method: The case of Trabzon and Ri̇ze

Distribution of sound, perception of it by audiences and aimed effects on audiences in buildings, that are designed for different purposes and serve as a gathering place for numerous people, are the principle study of architectural acoustics. Architectural acoustics plays a crucial role in mosques which are the worship places of Islam. Acoustics properties of Ayasofya, Gülbahar Hatun, İskenderpaşa, Yavuz Sultan Selim mosques in Trabzon and Büyük Gülbahar Sultan mosque in Rize are evaluated by computer simulation method, according to objective parametrics of sound. First chapter describes the scope of the thesis, provides a literature review which is the foundation of this work, examines historic evolution of mosques, gives information about chosen mosques, and explains briefly principle subjects of acoustics and objective parametrics of sound. Second chapter explains the process of 3D reconstruction of the chosen buildings and their simulation, important points during the process, the activity scenarios used in simulations, objective parameters used in the evaluation and their optimum value boundaries. Third chapter compares the simulation results according to activity scenarios, evaluates the situations where optimum values of objective parameters are obtained and couldn't obtained, and proposes new surface material arrangements for each selected mosque to reach optimum values. 3D reconstructions of the chosen mosques are recreated according to new material arrangements to reevaluate acoustic performance. fourth chapter evaluates current state of the mosques and proposed arrangements, and exposes the causes of the situations which couldn't obtain optimum values. The last chapter suggests design ideas for new mosques and arrangement ideas for current mosques.