The effect of coupled volume applications on acoustic performance in concert halls: A case study

The acoustic conditions required for different types of music vary. Concert halls where these types of music are performed must therefore be equipped with adjustable acoustic properties. This study examined the effects of volume applications combined with different occupancy rates on hall acoustics. Four scenarios were considered: empty, 50% occupancy, 75% occupancy and 100% occupancy. Volume increases of 20%, 35% and 50% were applied, and 36 additional scenarios were designed considering different openness ratios (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%) and material types (wood, plasterboard and concrete). Thus, a total of 40 scenarios were evaluated using ODEON V.10 simulation software. The T30, EDT, C80, D50, LF80, BR, TR and STI parameters obtained from these scenarios were compared with the optimal values. Finally, the T30 and EDT parameters were evaluated based on the JND criterion at the frequency level compared to the current situation. The findings showed that, as occupancy rates increased, reverberation time decreased, while C80, D50 and STI values increased. Additionally, the frequency-based evaluation approach more accurately reflected the perceptual differences created by the variables used in the scenarios within the acoustic environment.