Acoustic Investigations of Two Barrel-Vaulted Halls: Sisto V in Naples and Aula Magna at the University of Parma

The percentage of historical heritage buildings in Italy is substantial. Many of these buildings are abandoned or not adequately restored for public access due to safety concerns. However, some are managed by city councils and made available to local communities. These heritage buildings, valued for their historical significance, are now frequently used for live events, including musical performances by ensembles and small groups. This paper deals with the acoustics of two rooms provided with barrel-vaulted ceilings: Sisto V Hall in Naples and Aula Magna at the University of Parma. These spaces are structurally very similar, differing mainly in length. Acoustic measurements conducted in both halls reveal reverberation times of approximately 4.5 s at mid frequencies, resulting in poor speech clarity. This is primarily due to the presence of reflective surfaces, as the walls and ceilings are plastered, and the floors are tiled. To optimize their acoustic properties for functions such as celebrations, gatherings, and conferences, an acoustic design intervention was proposed. Digital models of the halls were calibrated and used to correct the acoustics by incorporating absorbing panels on the walls and carpeting on the floors of the central walk path. This treatment successfully balanced the reverberation time to approximately 1.3–1.4 s at mid frequencies, making speech more intelligible. Additionally, an amplified audio system was analyzed to enhance sound distribution, ensuring uniform coverage, even in the last rows of seating. Under amplified conditions, sound pressure levels (SPLs) range between 90 dB and 93 dB, with appropriate gain control applied to the column array speakers.