Ääniarkkitehtuuri; Ääni, Tunnelma ja Arkkitehtuuri

Abstract

Architecture is often considered a visual art form, even though experiencing it requires all of our senses. Especially the sense of hearing plays a significant role alongside visual perception in experiencing architecture. However, it has taken a back seat compared to other senses, with vision dominating environmental perception. The sound architectural features of buildings are often overlooked.

Aural architecture refers to the audible aspect of a building or environment. For example, the sounds of an old town or the silence of a church are sound architectural characteristics. The auditory properties of spaces have a crucial impact on how we perceive them; spaces that are visually dreary can become cozy with a changing soundscape, whereas generally secure places can become unfamiliar. Thus, aural architecture is responsible of a places atmosphere.

This bachelor's thesis explores the significance of sound in spatial experience. The study investigates how the auditory qualities of space are utilized in architecture and reflects on the reasons why the auditory features of architecture are marginalized in western design. The aim is to highlight the importance of sound in architectural design and make the elusive topic of aural architecture more approachable. In this thesis the technical aspects of sound, such as the accessibility of the built environment or the physical properties of sound are not explored. Instead the focus is on the experiential aspect of sound in space, namely, sound architecture.

The research is conducted using literary sources, an expert interview, and case studies. The thesis establishes a foundation for the characteristics of aural architecture through literary sources and the interview, after which their manifestation is studied in the case study chapters.

The main conclusions of the thesis are that sound plays a significant role in how we perceive space. The relationship between sound and architecture is not straightforward; depending on the context, the role of sound is either to support architecture or to be the main aspect of a space, where the visual architecture supports the sound. Additionally, it is concluded that the oversight of sound architecture is due to the visual emphasis of our time and our noisy society.