Research_

Using acoustic retroreflection in architecture to improve rooms for speech

Designing acoustically reflective spaces.
This project aims to discover how a novel form of acoustic treatment can improve acoustics for speech in rooms such as classrooms and open-plan offices.

The project will generate new knowledge on the theory, design, and effects of acoustically retroreflective surfaces in room acoustics. Expected outcomes include solutions for effective acoustic retroreflectors, knowledge on how retroreflection influences people’s voice regulation and sound quality perception, and guidelines and simulation tools for integrating retroreflective treatments to improve speaking comfort. This should provide significant benefits including opportunities to resolve seemingly intractable design dilemmas in the acoustics of education and workplace environments.

Project team

  • Associate Professor Densil Cabrera, University of Sydney 

  • Associate Professor Dagmar Reinhardt, University of Sydney

  • Dr Shuai Lu, University of Sydney / Shenzhen International Graduate School, Tsinghua University

  • Dr Manuj Yadav, University of Sydney / RWTH Aachen University 

The project is funded through the Australian Research Council (ARC) Discovery Project (DP) scheme under the number DP230101357


Spatial Audio and Acoustics Lab

Facilities to help research the quality of the sound environment

We aim to improve environmental acoustics, sound design and audio systems by researching how acoustics affect people.

Chief Investigators

Associate Professor Densil Cabrera

University of Sydney

Associate Professor Dagmar Reinhardt

University of Sydney