Minimization of environmental acoustic effects: an intangible design element of Greek theatres

This study aims at unveiling intangible design principles that may have directed positioning and construction of the classic Greek theatres, whose exceptional acoustic quality is still recognized nowadays. The attention is focused on the possible general design solutions adopted by Greek builders to minimize the acoustic background noise generated by the interaction between the theatre structure and the environment. For this task, a simplified vibroacoustic metrological model has been developed to infer the effects of the interaction between local environmental factors (e.g. the orography) and ancient Greek theatre structures. The model has been used to characterize the Greek theatre of Taormina to show, on a metrological basis, the key intangible elements that could have directed its design and construction.