Adaptive Reuse and Acoustic Performance in Historic Urban Buildings

Thesis Abstract

Adaptive Reuse and Acoustic Performance in Historic Urban Buildings examines how converting historic structures for contemporary use affects internal sound environments and occupant comfort. The context is urban centers where heritage preservation intersects with functional retrofit, yet acoustic implications of adaptive reuse remain underexplored, potentially compromising user experience, heritage value, and energy performance. The study posits that retrofit strategies and material selections significantly modulate reverberation time, speech intelligibility, ambient noise levels, and occupant satisfaction, thereby influencing the success of adaptive reuse projects in dense historic cores. The aim is to develop a robust empirical understanding of the acoustic outcomes of adaptive reuse in historic urban buildings and to identify design interventions that optimize acoustics without sacrificing heritage integrity. Specific objectives are to (1) quantify baseline acoustic conditions in a sample of historic urban interiors prior to retrofit, (2) evaluate post-retrofit acoustic performance across similarly purposed spaces, (3) analyze the relationship between retrofit typologies (structural reinforcement, partitioning, finishes, and mechanical services) and acoustic metrics, (4) compare computational acoustics models with on-site measurements to assess predictive accuracy, and (5) derive evidence-based guidelines for material selection and spatial configuration that reconcile heritage preservation with acoustic quality. Methodologically, the study adopts a mixed-methods research design combining quantitative field measurements with qualitative stakeholder insights, framed by the theory of environmental acoustics and heritage conservation ethics. The population comprises 12 historic urban buildings in three European cities undergoing adaptive reuse within the last five years. A purposive sample of 12 retrofit projects will be selected to represent a range of functions (gallery, office, mixed-use) and retrofit strategies. In each site, 6–8 representative rooms will be instrumented for acoustic testing pre- and post-retrofit, yielding a total targeted dataset of approximately 96 rooms. Data collection instruments include calibrated sound level meters, impedance tubes for absorption coefficients, reverberation time (RT60) measurements, and speech intelligibility index (SII) assessments, complemented by 3D laser scanning for geometric inputs to acoustic simulations. The study also deploys semi-structured interviews with architects, acoustic consultants, facility managers, and tenants to capture perceived acoustic quality and operational constraints. Validity and reliability are addressed through repeated measurements under standardized atmospheric conditions and inter-rater reliability checks for interview coding. Quantitative analysis will entail descriptive statistics, paired t-tests and ANOVA to detect changes in RT60, reverberation, background noise, and SII across pre- and post-retrofit conditions; multivariate regression will explore the influence of retrofit variables (mass, spacing, surface treatment, HVAC integration) on acoustic outcomes. Computational acoustics modeling will utilize finite element method (FEM) and Ray-Tracing simulations, validated against on-site data, to assess predictive performance and to explore design scenarios. Thematic analysis of interview data will identify perceived challenges and best practices, triangulated with quantitative results. The anticipated findings include (i) measurable improvements or degradations in acoustic performance linked to specific retrofit typologies, (ii) evidence that certain material configurations (e.g., porous absorptive linings combined with controlled reflective surfaces) optimize intelligibility in multipurpose historic interiors, and (iii) a validated workflow for integrating acoustic performance early in the design process using BIM-based simulation. The study contributes to knowledge by providing empirical benchmarks for the acoustic implications of adaptive reuse in historic contexts and by offering a decision-support framework that aligns heritage stewardship with acoustic quality and occupant comfort. It advances practical guidelines for material selection, room geometry, and mechanical system integration, reinforced by a validated modeling approach for predictive accuracy. The conclusion emphasizes balancing heritage preservation with acoustic design objectives and recommends policy guidance for heritage authorities to require acoustic impact assessments as part of redevelopment approvals. Recommendations include standardized post-occupancy evaluation protocols, development of a heritage-acoustics checklist for designers, and integration of acoustic performance targets into conservation briefs and procurement specifications.