Auralization uses in acoustical design: A survey study of acoustical consultants

Abstract

While auralization technology is used in a variety of fields, particularly in architectural acoustics, there is a lack of data on the auralization tools used and actual practices. In this perspective, this work presents the results of a survey study on auralization uses in the acoustical design and consulting community, targeting acoustical consultants. The objectives are (1) to identify the tools and methods used by acousticians to create auralizations as well as effective uses so as to understand the benefits and changes provided by this technology, and (2) to highlight the difficulties and limitations linked to the use of auralizations in concrete projects. Based on the theory of acceptability and use of technology, the study was conducted from a mix of quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches, combining a questionnaire answered by 74 respondents with semi-directed interviews with nine practitioners. Results highlight the main uses of auralizations, the diversity of projects in which auralizations are applied, and how auralizations are currently used in real-world situations. The benefits of using this technology, inherent weaknesses in the tools, and practical difficulties are also discussed.

Toward realistic binaural auralizations – perceptual comparison between measurement and simulation-based auralizations and the real room for a classroom scenario

“…Despite this long history, the use of auralization as a replacement for listening in a real room has not become widespread. A majority of acoustical consultants who participated in a recent survey indicated to use it mainly for marketing and communication purposesmore than 50%, compared to 34% using it to "test ideas" or as a "verification tool" [4]. Yet, auralization has much more to offer: It has the potential to replace experiments in real rooms, with applications in architectural acoustics, psychology, therapeutic training, etc.…”

Multi-Detailed 3D Architectural Framework for Sound Perception Research in Virtual Reality

“…Although it seems obvious that fundamental analyses of real scenarios are essential before trying to simulate them by virtual means, experience tells that this is not so. Evidence shows also that most of the 3D modelers with an architectural background, use simulation techniques before understanding their theoretical basis, relying on the techniques as feedback tools for different design options (Bouchlaghem et al, 2005;Attia et al, 2009;Thery et al, 2019). In addition, prerequisites in the fields of visual simulation are different to acoustic simulations.…”

“…By contrast, there is also a large community of professional 3D drawers-including architects, graphic designers, and gaming developers-who find it difficult to deliver 3D data that fulfills the demands of researchers. This usually leads to two types of solutions: researchers forgo the possibilities of 3D modeling by constructing a simplified model, with all the time and effort constraints included; or, when they do collaborate, only 20% of researchers undertake close collaboration with 3D modeling experts to obtain the expected environment, with implications for the time and effort a project requires (Thery et al, 2019).…”

The acoustic designer: Joining soundscape and architectural acoustics in architectural design education

“…Thery et al 43 recently studied the adoption of auralisation in consulting practices, highlighting how their adoption depends on the size of the practice. While smaller practices seem unable to afford the use of these techniques for a lack of resources which include time, money, and skills, higher budget companies adopted this technology often in combination with immersive visualisations, reporting improvements in the collaboration and communication with other stakeholders participating in the construction process.…”