Assessing the Effect of Dome Shape and Location on The Acoustical Performance of a Mosque by Using Computer Simulation

Abstract

Architecturally, the dome is one evolutionary presence in most mosques of modern day. Besides mihrab, the dome is one of the architectural elements that has a phenomenon of concentration of energy by reflected sound waves from concave surfaces. The aim of this research is to compare the acoustical performance of different shapes of the dome and their respective locations by using geometrical approach computer simulation. Four types of dome that are commonly used on a mosque; Arabic, segmental, hemispherical, and onion, were modeled to compare their acoustical parameters i.e. reverberation time (RT) and speech transmission index (STI). It can be concluded that the shape of the dome does affect the RT. Furthermore, the shape of the dome also affects the STI - the larger the volume, the lower the STI value. However, the locations of a dome has little significance over acoustical parameter. The findings of this research may not limit to mosques only, but to any similar building that has similar typology.