Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque, built in the 6th and 16th centuries, respectively, are the two major monuments of theİstanbul World Heritage Site. Within the context of this study, sound fields of these two sacred multi-domed monumental structures are analyzed with a focus on their architectonic and material attributes and applied alterations in basic restoration works. A comprehensive study is undertaken by a comparative analysis over acoustical field tests held in different years and over an extensive literature review on their material and architectural characteristics. Initially, the major features of Hagia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque are presented, and later, basic alterations in regard to function and materials are provided. The methodology includes the field tests carried both within the scope of this research as well as the published test results by other researchers. Acoustical simulations are utilized for comparison of unoccupied versus occupied conditions and also for discussion on original materials. The impact of historical plasters on the acoustics of domed spaces is highlighted. Common room acoustics parameters as of reverberation time and clarity are utilized in comparisons. The formation of multi-slope sound energy decay is discussed in light of different spiritual and acoustical needs expected from such monumental sacred spaces. 494Acoustics 2019, 1 495 field tests carried both within the scope of this research as well as the published field test results by other researchers. Acoustical simulations are applied for comparison of unoccupied versus occupied conditions, reflecting major activity patterns. The simulations also provide basis for a discussion on the acoustical outcomes of original or historical plasters versus the current condition after restorations. Finally, the formation of multi-slope sound energy decay in case structures is discussed briefly in light of different spiritual and acoustical needs expected from such monumental sacred spaces. Hagia SophiaHagia Sophia, the Holy Wisdom of Christ, was constructed as a church between 532 and 537 in Constantinople (Istanbul) during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Hagia Sophia was both the center of religious life and had been a legend for the new wave of church buildings in the West in the 12th and 13th centuries. After the Ottoman conquest of 1453, during the rule of Mehmet II, it was converted from a church to a mosque. In 1932 upon order from Atatürk, Hagia Sophia (Figure 1) started to function as a museum. Hagia Sophia is a masterpiece of not only Byzantine art but also of the world's historical heritage. Its architectural success and carried messages affected both the Ottoman Empire and architects such as Sinan the Architect [18][19][20][21].Acoustics 2018, 1, x FOR PEER REVIEW 3 of 24 field tests carried both within the scope of this research as well as the published field test results by other researchers. Acoustical simulations are applied for comparison of unoccupied versus occupied conditions, reflecting major...
This work investigates the sound energy decays and flows in the Süleymaniye Mosque in İstanbul. This is a single-space superstructure having multiple domes. The study searches for the non-exponential sound energy decay characteristics. The effect of different material surfaces and volumetric contributions are investigated using acoustic simulations and in situ acoustical measurements. Sound energy decay rates are estimated by Bayesian decay analysis. The measured data reveal double- or triple-slope energy decay profiles within the superstructure. To shed light on the mechanism of energy exchanges resulting in multi-slope decay, spatial sound energy distributions and energy flow vectors are studied by diffusion equation model (DEM) simulations. The resulting sound energy flow vector maps highlight the contribution of a sound-reflective central dome contrasted with an absorptive carpeted floor in providing delayed energy feedback. In contrast, no multi-slope energy decay pattern is observed in DEM simulations with a bare marble floor, which generates a much more diffuse sound field than in the real situation with a carpeted floor. The results demonstrate that energy fragmentation, in support of the non-exponential energy decay profile, is due to both the sound absorption characteristics of materials and to their distributions, as well as to relations between the subvolumes of the mosque's interior.
The key concern of this study is to discuss the reliable acoustical metrics for analyzing particular sound fields within monumental multi-domed sacred spaces with an emphasis on multiple sound energy decay formation. The potential of such structures in featuring non-exponential sound energy decay characteristics necessitates new formulation of sound decay indicators in understanding of their sound fields. The early and late energy decay components within non-exponential sound energy decays can have a unique contribution to the interior acoustic quality. These acoustical features can also provide the functional and spiritual acoustical needs of monumental sacred spaces. Süleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two major monuments of Istanbul World Heritage Site, are examined in this regard. Field measurements are the main method of data collection. Over collected room impulse responses, relevant acoustical predictors including decay rates and decay times are computed by applying Bayesian decay parameter estimation. Analysis results disclose double or triple decay formations in both structures. Authors argue that, the detection of multiple sound energy decays in analyzed structures sets out a new vision for room acoustics studies of sacred spaces and for multi-domed monuments. Thus, implementation of new metrics, namely multiple slope decay parameters to replace classical room acoustics indicators, is recommended and discussed in light of the outcomes of this study.
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