Acoustic Simulations Applied to the Garden of Rufolo’s Villa in Ravello: Comparison between Different Scenarios

Abstract

This manuscript treats the acoustic analysis of a garden located in Rufolo’s villa, south of Italy, which has already been studied to install some acoustic panels to improve the response across the seating area. After a campaign of acoustic measurements, acoustic simulations have been conducted based on three specific scenarios, highlighting the effectiveness of a new acoustic shell (project C) over the existing conditions (project A) and option A shell (project B). The results coming from the simulations show that the values of the main acoustic parameters are significantly improved with the installation of a scientifically designed acoustic shell, to be closer to the optimal ranges. The comparison among different projects highlights that the acoustic response of the existing conditions is not optimal, and that a marginal improvement was found with the addition of vertical panels mounted at the perimeter of the stage in combination with suspended ceiling above the stage. This research study is addressed to potentially auralize the voice or sound of famous artists that would be performing within the new acoustic shell; furthermore, the outputs could even implement the website of the Rufolo’s villa for marketing purposes.

Keywords

• architectural acoustics
• Villa Rufolo
• Ravello Festival
• acoustic measurements
• acoustic simulations
• acoustic shell