Teaching Architectural Acoustics to Students of Various Disciplines

Introduction The words architectural and acoustics perhaps conjure thoughts of buildings or spaces with specific acoustic requirements (such as music halls, recording studios, auditoriums, and libraries) and/or the design professionals who have spent their careers focused on the topic. However, this is just the beginning, and this article explains the methods of introducing students of various backgrounds and areas of study to the aural aspects of various occupancies and forms of architecture through discussions, lessons, assignments, field trips, and projects. Have you ever noticed that the word aural is literally in architectural? The actual beginning and end of the word spell out the entire point of this article: the integration of the aural in architecture and the built environment. I ask students, “Are all aural?” Say it slowly, and the play on words begins a discussion of building types that require acoustical attention. The compound answer becomes evident: all aspects of the built environment have an aural component.