Digital Soundscape of the Roman Theatre of Gubbio: Acoustic Response from Its Original Shape

Abstract

The present work deals with the acoustic analysis of the Roman theatre of Gubbio, located in Italy, which has already been the subject of architectural studies. Using four specific scenarios, acoustic simulations were carried out to highlight the contributions of different architectural elements to the acoustic response of this open-air theatre. The results were evaluated assuming that unamplified classical music and prose were the main functions of the space, as was the case in the past. The simulated results show that the values of the main acoustic parameters are closer to the optimal ranges borrowed from studies on enclosed theatres, since no criteria are available for Roman theatres. The comparison among different scenarios highlights the poor acoustic response of the existing conditions for a performing arts space. Some suggestions are presented regarding how the outcomes of this research study should be employed.

Keywords

• architectural acoustics
• cultural heritage
• Roman theatres
• acoustic simulations
• archaeo-acoustics
• Gubbio