Architectural acoustics can be defined as the study of the generation, propagation and transmission of sound in rooms, dwellings and other buildings.
Although a relatively new science, architectural acoustics permeates every walk of modern life. Correct application of the principles of architectural
acoustics can considerably improve the quality of life at work, during leisure time and in the home. Some sounds are desirable and need to be enhanced
or emphasized (e.g. music in a concert hall; the speakers voice in a debating chamber etc), other sounds are highly undesirable (known as noise) and need to be reduced or prevented (e.g. noise in a factory workshop; noise from a neighbour’s party in the early hours of the morning etc). In many countries minimum limits have been set for the permitted noise levels in a particular environment (e.g. in the home, at the place of work). Regulations have also been drawn up defining the minimum acceptable acoustic properties of building elements (e.g. walls, floors, doors) and the minimum acceptable sound insulation that should exist between adjoining dwellings.