On the Effect of Domed Ceiling in Worship Spaces: A Scale Model Study of a Mosque

Though the importance of domes in worship buildings has been recognised since ancient times, their acoustic effects have not been entirely addressed by acoustics researchers. In addition to the known detrimental effects of late reflections and echoes, more complicated behaviour can be expected as a result of the coupling of the dome volume to the rest of the room. This investigation is focused on the impact of a dome on reverberation time. This is done using a scale model study of a typical mosque. The results show how the parameter is affected and indicate how the phenomenon might be quantified.