Impact of Architectural Styles on Acoustic Characteristics in Selected European Churches

Abstract

This study explores the acoustic properties of European Churches, influenced by architectural design, historical context, and spatial configurations. A comparative analysis of 83 Churches from different regions and periods combines literature reviews and empirical data to understand the interplay between architecture and acoustics. Key geometric parameters—volume, surface area, length, height, and aisle count—were compared with acoustic metrics to provide a comprehensive view of these sacred spaces. The study identified the key factors influencing acoustic characteristics, uncovering significant variability within the same architectural style. Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) further highlighted distinct patterns and outliers, showing that Gothic, Neoclassical, and modern architectural styles possess unique acoustic signatures. These findings challenge the assumption of uniform acoustics within similar styles, revealing that even minor architectural differences can substantially impact sound behavior. Outliers were particularly informative, representing Churches with unique acoustic properties, which shed light on how specific design elements affect sound propagation. The study underscores the complexity of the relationship between architecture and acoustics in Churches and suggests that further research should consider both quantitative measures and subjective experiences to fully capture the acoustic environment of these historic spaces.

Keywords

• historical building
• architectural technology
• analytical and numerical approaches
• acoustic heritage building