Acoustic measurements of the Roman theatre of Pompei by mapping the sound reflections

Bevilacqua, Antonella; Merli, Francesca; Tronchin, Lamberto; Farina, Angelo

doi:10.1109/i3da48870.2021.9610922

Cited by 4 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 13 publications

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“…The authors of this paper have already investigated the acoustic characteristics of other Roman theatres located in Italy, as summarised in previous studies [4][5][6]. The determination of which types of construction elements are the most important for the acoustic environment 2 of 18 is challenged in the present research.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Digital Soundscape of the Roman Theatre of Gubbio: Acoustic Response from Its Original Shape

Bevilacqua,

Fuchs

2023

Applied Sciences

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The present work deals with the acoustic analysis of the Roman theatre of Gubbio, located in Italy, which has already been the subject of architectural studies. Using four specific scenarios, acoustic simulations were carried out to highlight the contributions of different architectural elements to the acoustic response of this open-air theatre. The results were evaluated assuming that unamplified classical music and prose were the main functions of the space, as was the case in the past. The simulated results show that the values of the main acoustic parameters are closer to the optimal ranges borrowed from studies on enclosed theatres, since no criteria are available for Roman theatres. The comparison among different scenarios highlights the poor acoustic response of the existing conditions for a performing arts space. Some suggestions are presented regarding how the outcomes of this research study should be employed.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 95%

Digital Soundscape of the Roman Theatre of Gubbio: Acoustic Response from Its Original Shape

Bevilacqua,

Fuchs

2023

Applied Sciences

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“…Access to the cavea was through a very efficient system of stairwells and galleries that allowed the audience to enter and leave in a relatively short time. Some amphitheaters were provided with a velarium, a system mounted at the top through a cable frame to protect them from overheating, especially during summer seasons [6]. Inside the amphitheaters, through the openings (vomitoria), spectators could reach their seat in the cavea.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The idea by local authorities to put them into operation attracted the attention of researchers, who began to scientifically study the amphitheaters from an acoustic perspective. According to the literature, acoustic measurements inside the Roman amphitheater of Pompeii show that strong reflections come from the balteum of the cavea [6], which is the wall separating the steps of the cavea from the level of the arena, while other studies focused on the acoustic improvements that can be achieved by adding acoustic panels and/or shells to allow for live musical performances for modern use [7]. Other research studies focused on the acoustic reconstruction of Roman theaters and amphitheaters based on numerical models that reflect the original shapes of these ancient buildings [8].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Insight Discovery of the Roman Amphitheater of Durres: Reconstruction of the Acoustic Features to Its Original Shape

et al. 2023

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The discovery of Roman amphitheaters continues to excite the minds of archaeologists. Within the framework of various excavation campaigns, the architectural requalification of the amphitheater of Durres has been investigated, but no acoustic analyses have yet been carried out. This paper deals with the acoustic reconstruction of the Roman amphitheater of Durres in its original form. A campaign of acoustic measurements was carried out in accordance with ISO 3382 in order to understand the existing conditions, which are very detrimental to any type of live performance. After an accurate analysis of the geometric composition of the building, acoustic simulations were performed to determine the original acoustic response of the building. A comparison of the measured and simulated results, with and without an audience, was made in terms of the main acoustic parameters, while the acoustic map showing the spatial distribution of speech clarity at 1 kHz was added as an alternative way of representing the data. The outcomes show that the results related to the original shape are closer to the optimal values than the existing conditions.

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Acoustic study of the Roman theatre of Pompeii: Comparison between existing condition and future installation of two parametric acoustic shells

Bevilacqua,

Iannace

2023

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

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Roman theatres have always been the subject of research that takes into account not only acoustics, but also archaeological and architectural aspects. It is difficult to draw the boundary line between these disciplines since the interrelation between the different types of expertise is necessary to allow a good production of contemporary architecture in a specific context, such as a Roman theatre. This paper deals with the acoustic analysis of three specific scenarios in the context of the Roman theatre of Pompeii. The reconstruction of the original form, which represents the first scenario, is based on the recent archaeological findings of the ancient city, which was buried for almost two millennia after the eruption of the volcano Vesuvius. The second scenario envisions a future acoustic shell in the form of a mushroom, where the ceiling is the continuation of the vertical surface. The third scenario consists of a parametric design of a shell, representing a modern style velarium; as the curve creates focusing effects, the addition of reflective panels directs the sound evenly to the audience. These latest two architectural designs are intended to make the archaeological site of Pompeii suitable for live concerts and contemporary venues. The digital model representing the current conditions was calibrated with the measured values; the calibrated model was used to study the design of two parametric shell options, proposed as alternatives to provide good acoustics to the audience. The simulated results indicate that the main acoustic parameters are closer to or within the optimal values, resulting in a significant improvement in the acoustic performance of the space.

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Acoustic measurements of the Roman theatre of Pompei by mapping the sound reflections

Cited by 4 publications

References 13 publications

Digital Soundscape of the Roman Theatre of Gubbio: Acoustic Response from Its Original Shape

Digital Soundscape of the Roman Theatre of Gubbio: Acoustic Response from Its Original Shape

Insight Discovery of the Roman Amphitheater of Durres: Reconstruction of the Acoustic Features to Its Original Shape

Acoustic study of the Roman theatre of Pompeii: Comparison between existing condition and future installation of two parametric acoustic shells

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