Guest lecture explores architecture and urban acoustic environments

On 26 September 2024, XJTLU’s Design School hosted a lecture by Professor Jian Kang titled “From Theory to Practice: Taking Architecture and Urban Acoustic Environments as an Example”. Professor Kang is an international Member (Academician) of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering, Member of the European Academy of Sciences, the President of the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibration, and Professor at the UCL Bartlett School of Architecture, dedicated to research in acoustic theory and practice.

Professor Kang highlighted the critical importance of applying acoustic theory in architectural design and urban environments. He emphasized that traditional architectural acoustics are primarily based on the assumption of “rectangular spaces”, while the practical application of long spaces (such as subway stations, underground commercial streets, and transportation hubs) require different acoustic design considerations.

During the lecture, Professor Kang explored the characteristics of long space acoustics, including the mechanisms of sound propagation and reflection. He argued that the classical acoustic theory’s assumption of “diffuse” sound fields does not apply in long spaces, necessitating the development of a specific acoustic theory for these environments.

Professor Kang also shared key interdisciplinary findings from his research on long space acoustics, including the “Kang Formula” for predicting reverberation time in long spaces and corresponding acoustic design guidelines. His research field covers multiple dimensions including architecture, city, and products, and his research results include books, theses, and software, and some of them have been subsequently transformed into design guidelines and standards in related fields, which have provided important support for the design of acoustic environments in actual construction projects.

At the end of the lecture, Professor Kang discussed the future development of acoustic design, emphasizing the close connection between academic research and practical applications.

After the lecture, Professor Marc Aurel Schnabel, presented the appointment certificate of honorary professor of XJTLU to Professor Kang. Together with the present academics and students, they discussed further on the topics of acoustics and architecture.

By Ting Li

Photos by Yi Qian