The Loggia Cornaro (1524) as a bridge between the ancient and the modern theatre

Abstract

In ancient open-air Roman theatres, the scaenae frons increases the directivity of the sound source to better convey the actors' speech to the audience. Since such an acoustic effect is closely related to the presence of architectural elements such as awnings and columns, specific insights are needed for each case. The present work concerns the acoustics of the Loggia Cornaro in Padua (Italy), an outstanding example of Renaissance columned portico ( 1524) with a well-preserved Roman-style scaenae frons intended to host open-air theatre performances. Acoustic measurements were performed in the Loggia and the adjacent forecourt according to ISO 3382 -1. In addition, a numerical model of this hybrid indoor-outdoor site was developed and tuned till the match with the measurements' outcomes. Bayesian multi-decay analyses determined the actual influence of the scenery on sound propagation throughout the audience area. The main results prove that the Loggia not only increases the sound source level but also leads to different multi-slope sound energy decays depending on the sound sources' location, which are typical traits of modern indoor theatres.