Optimizing acoustic design for dual-function concert and speech halls

The acoustic design of multipurpose halls requires a careful balance between speech intelligibility and music clarity, necessitating precise control of reverberation time (RT), sound distribution, and clarity. This study examines the transformation of a multipurpose hall through architectural modifications that enhance performance for both speech and music. By integrating Sabine’s equation with parametric surface optimization, the study evaluates key acoustic metrics, including RT, initial-time delay gap (ITDG), clarity index (C80), and spatial perception factors such as eye position and viewing angle optimization. The results confirm that targeted geometric and material interventions effectively optimize acoustics, reducing RT for speech while maintaining adequate reverberation for musical performances. Unlike previous studies that focus primarily on either architectural design or acoustic engineering, this research demonstrates an integrated framework bridging both disciplines. While methodologies such as ODEON and CATT-Acoustic are widely used in room acoustics research, this study emphasizes a scalable and accessible approach tailored for architectural applications. By addressing the interplay between spatial design and acoustic performance, the findings contribute to a broader understanding of adaptive acoustic environments in multipurpose venues.