Naeemaee, Rozhin2022-08-262022-08-262022-072022-072022-08-25http://hdl.handle.net/11693/110471Cataloged from PDF version of article.Thesis (Master's): Bilkent University, Department of Architecture, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent University, 2022.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 75-82).Atriums, with their large spans and superior voids, in modern life have changed their patterns of use from being only circulation zones to multi-functional gathering spaces. One solution to the challenge of transforming atriums to function as multifunctional spaces is optimizing the reverberation time. However, the optimum criteria of reverberation time for atriums have not yet well been set. This causes unnecessary intent of acoustical material applications within contemporary atriums. This study aims to provide a ground for such discussion on the optimum criteria, which can in the future lead to changes in standards and codes. With an aim of defining a proper range for reverberation per function and volume of the space, this research investigates the perception and preference of reverberation metrics (T30, EDT) within the context of educational atriums. The methodology starts with field tests and field surveys within four atriums of different departments at Bilkent University. Acoustical models of the atriums are tuned according to the field tests. Next, interior surface materials are modified for obtaining different sound energy decay rates and auralizations are applied to be used in subjective testing to seek preferential listening conditions. Produced audio clips by auralizations reflect different reverberation settings by the systemically increased amount of absorption, which is grouped for different intervals. An online listening test and questionnaire are held over a sample group of 67 students. Based on the analysis, the audio clips from groups G2 (1.00 s<EDT≤1.40 s) and G3 (1.40<EDT≤1.95) are mostly preferred by the participants with the highest scores in the paired comparison tests. And the groups G6 (3.75 s<EDT≤5.17 s) (too live) and G1 (0.50<EDT≤1.00) (too dry) are least preferred by the participants. Additionally, no significant correlation is found between participants’ perceptions and preferences with activity patterns and gender. The results highlight that the students who are the current users of the assessed educational atriums do not prefer a very dead or a very live acoustical environment. For EDT an interval of 1.00 s – 1.95 s is found to be optimum for a volumetric space ranging from 3500 m3 to 8500 m3. This outcome can guide the acoustical design process of either to be renovated or newly designed atriums.xvi, 94 leaves : color illustrations, charts, plans ; 30 cm.Englishinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccessAtriumsReverberationEarly decay timeSubjective testingRoom acousticsThesisB161211