For the past few years, the EuropeanaTech community has been championing the growing field of heritage acoustics. While an integral part of architecture and design for centuries, in recent years, heritage acoustics has become a more visible part of documentation, preservation and reconstruction; providing the formerly missing aural portion of historical reconstruction to ways in which we experience the past.
The EuropeanaTech Heritage Acoustics Task Force will work to raise the awareness of this growing field within the digital cultural heritage sector. As such the Task Force is happy to present to you an extensive - yet not exhaustive - list of five ways acoustics modelling (which records and preserves the sound acoustics of a building or space) can be used.
This list, written by Task Force member Julien De Muynke, gives a basic overview of what acoustic modelling can be used for. The list approaches the topic from all different angles. Because sound, how we perceive it and how it exists in a specific space is a crucial part of our daily existence, whether we give attention or not.
1. Acoustic preservation
Acoustic models archive the acoustics of a building at a specific point in time, ensuring that this knowledge is preserved for future generations. These models not only document the current state of the building but can also incorporate past states, derived from historical records detailing changes in architecture, decoration and function that the building underwent throughout its history. By adding a time dimension, digital acoustic twins become powerful tools for exploring both contemporary and historical soundscapes, supporting conservation, research, and restoration efforts.
The records of acoustics preservation could be used by researchers in acoustics and musicology, stakeholders managing cultural heritage sites, historians, archaeologists and researchers in digital humanities and archaeoacoustics.
One example of this use is the acoustic documentation of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, preserving its unique acoustics before and after the 2019 fire.
2. Education and research
Acoustics modelling can allow students and researchers to explore the acoustics of heritage spaces for educational purposes or research, enhancing accessibility for those unable to visit the physical location.
One example of this use is the Acoustic Heritage Project, where students analyse ancient theatres' acoustics in virtual settings.
3. Public engagement in research contexts
Acoustic models support public exhibitions, demonstrations and the development of cultural mediation tools for heritage stakeholders. These tools leverage the acoustic dimension of a space, including its historic soundscapes, which are integral to the site's identity, to engage audiences and enhance their understanding of cultural heritage. By incorporating interactive or immersive elements, they help stakeholders convey the unique acoustic qualities and historical significance of their sites to diverse audiences
This can be particularly relevant to anyone hosting research exhibitions, public entities promoting cultural heritage education, and designers and developers of cultural mediation tools.
An example of this use is the Notre-Dame Whispers project, which uses acoustic models to create interactive experiences that showcase the soundscapes of Notre-Dame Cathedral, enhancing public appreciation of its acoustic heritage.
4. Virtual concert and theater performance organisation
Acoustic models enable stakeholders of cultural heritage sites to organise and host virtual concerts and theatre performances, allowing audiences to experience these events within the site's acoustics remotely. This expands access and raises awareness of the site's cultural significance, and is particularly usefor for stakeholders managing cultural heritage sites, as well as musicians and concert organisers.
The virtual opera concerts organised by the Metropolitan Opera in New York, simulating the acoustics of prestigious venues for global audiences are a great example
5. Managing changes and uses of heritage sites
Acoustic models can support decision-making regarding changes to a site or its usage, such as structural renovations, event hosting, or public access strategies. This ensures the acoustic qualities of the space are preserved or optimised for new purposes. This is particularly relevant to architects, engineers, policymakers and those managing cultural sites.
One example of this use can be found in the acoustic studies of the Palatine Chapel of the Royal Palace in Caserta, which informed interventions that balanced its modern use for concerts with the preservation of its historical acoustics.
Find out more
Follow the work of the Heritage Acoustics Task Force on their webpage, and watch an earlier EuropeanaTech webinar on heritage acoustics. To follow discussions on this topic and others of relevance to the cultural heritage research and development community, join EuropeanaTech through the Europeana Network Association.