Acoustic Transformation of Rock-Cut Caves Into Performance Spaces

Abstract

Cappadocia Region in Turkey is a center of attention as a tourism destination with its rock-cut caves, some of which are being used as performance spaces for concerts, festivals and local entertainment activities. However, these spaces are not fully investigated for their acoustic performance before being transformed into performance venues. This paper reports on the findings of an initial survey which presents a systematic mapping of the rock-cut caves used as performance spaces to locate, explore and document a sample of structures scattered in this historic district. A typological classification based on volume, size, type of tuff rock material and historical original use has been proposed and an acoustic analysis of some selected rock-cut caves has been carried out. The acoustic analysis included reverberation time calculations and simulations based on apparent volume, and tuff stone absorption characteristics, which were studied by other researchers in the area. © 2024 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.