Analysis of Acoustic Performance in Libraries with Atrium and Case Study

Acoustic performance in libraries is crucial to be able to work comfortably, focus, and spend productive time in a quiet environment. A good acoustic design prevents unnecessary reverberation of sound, controls the noise level, and allows different study areas to be used without disturbing each other. Acoustic performance is especially important in libraries with atriums. In this paper, the acoustic performance of a library with an atrium in the design phase is analyzed. The analyses were performed using a BIM (Building Information Modeling) based acoustic software. As a result of the analyses, the effects of sound absorbing materials and their positions on the reverberation time, a basic room acoustics parameter, were evaluated. Additionally, due to the high transparency rate of the facades of the library, suggestions for sound insulation on the exterior walls were presented. During the design process, acoustic evaluations were made especially for the use of the atrium. In conclusion, suggestions were developed for acoustic performance to create a suitable quiet environment in libraries with atrium.