Acoustical Impact of Architectonics and Material Features in the Lifespan of Two Monumental Sacred Structures

Abstract

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...

The Acoustic Environment of York Minster’s Chapter House

“…However, this value is in perfect harmony with the results derived from previous measurement campaigns developed in similar buildings [51]. Furthermore, considering that historical plasters have been shown to be more absorptive than modern ones [52] and that the vault has a large air cavity behind, the coefficients obtained seem more than reasonable.…”

Historical Acoustics: Relationships between People and Sound over Time

“…The acoustics of historical worship buildings was a theme common to several contributions. Sü Gül [1] investigated the acoustic environments of the Hagia Sophia and the Süleymaniye mosque by carrying out measurements of room acoustics parameters and comparing the results with previous measurement datasets retrieved from the literature. The work included acoustical simulations to compare unoccupied and occupied conditions and to inform the discussion of the original materials.…”

An Investigation on the Effects of Architectural Features on Acoustical Environment of Historical Mosques

“…Within the scope of this study, the aim is to focus on smaller examples of mosques in the Aegean Region of Turkey and to evaluate them in terms of acoustical ambiance of prayer hall under a classification. With some studies in the literature, it is concluded that historical mosques with large volumes work as a coupling space and differ from small-sized mosques with these features [12]. Small-sized mosques in the range of 1000-2000 m 3 , which are found in large numbers in Western Anatolia, constitute the case group of the study, since they differ from large volume mosques in terms of acoustic perception.…”

“…In some studies, there have been some recommendations developed for the acoustical parameters by considering the activities in mosques [10,11]. To show the sacredness of religion, historical mosques were often built in large volumes by using high and wide dome structures [12]. Acoustical problems due to the large volumes are expected in these mosques, as with large cathedrals [13].…”