Models of the influence of coupled spaces in Christian churches

Ancient religious buildings usually contain articulated environments, such as lateral chapels, in which the effect of multiple acoustically coupled spaces can influence the sound field in the central volume. By introducing absorbent materials in a lateral chapel, the acoustic response of the whole church can be altered. If the effects of coupled spaces are described by geometrical acoustics, inaccurate results may be obtained since reverberation time is influenced by mutual power interactions through the coupling areas or separating walls. Two methods are considered, to determine the simplest way to obtain accurate values of reverberation time for these situations. The results of the simulations are compared with experimental values and indicate areas of applicability of the tested method.