Virtual Reality for Architectural Acoustics

Over the last decades, powerful prediction models have been developed in architectural acoustics, which are used for the calculation of sound propagation in indoor and/or outdoor scenarios. Sound insulation is predicted rather precisely by using direct and flanking transmission models of sound and vibration propagation. These prediction tools are already in use in architectural design and consulting. For the extension towards virtual reality (VR) systems, it is required to accelerate the prediction and simulation tools significantly and to allow an adaptive and interactive data processing during the simulation and 3D audio stimulus presentation. This article gives an overview on the current state-of-the-art of acoustic VR and discusses all relevant components in terms of accuracy, implementation and computational effort. With the progress in processing power, it is already possible to apply such VR concepts for architectural acoustics and to start perceptual studies in integrated architectural design processes.