Influence of Detail Level in Acoustic Modeling of Heritage Buildings. Case of the Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia

Abstract

Acoustic modeling of heritage buildings presents a significant challenge due to the architectural complexity of these spaces and the need to preserve their authenticity. In particular, the precision of the virtual model in historical environments largely depends on the level of detail applied during simulation. This study examines the influence of detail level in acoustic modeling applied to the Lonja de los Mercaderes in Valencia, a prominent example of Gothic civil architecture in Europe. Using ODEON software, three virtual models of the main hall were developed with varying levels of detail, from a high-precision model to a simplified representation. The results show that a highly detailed model increases computational costs, while a reduction in detail leads to greater dispersion in results, especially at low frequencies. This research highlights the importance of finding an appropriate balance in detail level, providing reliable acoustic estimates without compromising efficiency. These findings contribute to ongoing discourse on heritage conservation practices, emphasizing how simulation technologies can aid in preserving acoustic integrity while addressing practical limitations. The conclusions have implications for the application of simulation technologies in other highly complex heritage buildings.

Keywords

• acoustic modeling
• detail level
• heritage buildings
• lonja de los mercaderes
• computational simulation
• acoustic precision