Soundscape approach applied to a heritage open-air concert hall: The case of the Corral del Carbón in Granada

Abstract

Finding a metric to evaluate the sound quality of a given product is a challenging task. It depends on multiple criteria and dimensions. This study proposes a soundscape approach to assess the pleasantness of the acoustic environment in an open-air heritage site, the Corral del Carbón in Granada as a complementary tool for selecting concert venues in addition to environmental and room acoustics criteria. Acoustic measurements and surveys were conducted at two locations: the patio of the building and the adjacent street. The methodology involved soundwalks with participants who provided subjective assessments, complemented by objective acoustic indicators and psychoacoustic parameters. The results reveal a significantly more pleasant acoustic environment inside the patio than the street. This kind of comparisons between sites provide information on which is a more suitable setting for concerts. Soundscape approach offers a practical tool for selecting concert venues in heritage contexts by emphasizing the importance of the perceptual experience of the audience, thereby enhancing the decision-making process for concert programmers and acousticians.