Customer Reviews

Architectural Acoustics

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Since first encountering Egan's text a little more than 20 years ago, I've continued to return to it for solid information. Complex material is presented in a way that allows me to apply it to unique conditions at hand. Some of the world-class acoustics consultants with which we've had the privilege to work rely on Egan to help communicate complex ideas. Without compromising too much real technical nuance, the ideas are so clearly communicated that I was able to offer the book to members of a church in eastern Europe working to improve the condition of their worship space.

I am an acoustical consultant... I have read a lot of books onarchitectural acoustics. I found this book unique of its kind. The concepts are introduced by plenty of figures and illustrations with informative text that make the discussed subject easy to read and comprehend especially by the architects. Writing on the figures and using checklists added a lot of understandibility. Also the text itself is informative and directly address the subject. In other words, the book is excellent and comprehensive.

A really excellent introduction and overview of architecturalacoustics from the point of view of an architect. Little in the way ofmathematics, excellent illustrations, very useful tables, a convenientlist of often used formulae in the back. The best book I know of for an introductory textbook. I use this book often. Topics covered include:

Basic Theory Sound Absorption Room Acoustics Sound Isolation Mechanical System Noise and Vibration Electronic Sound Systems

Christopher Brooks Orpheus Acoustics END

I'm a architecture student and I think this book is like a bible of acoustics in architecture. It brings detailed info for designing places with good acoustic performance whit various technics and for the most different type of places like a simple residential to auditoriums and concert rooms. I have other acoustics books (like William Cavanaugh's) and they always make mention to David Egan's book. If you're in search on books about architectural acoustics, I think that must be the first one to buy. It's a must have in any architect biblioteque.

Even after having collected and read quite a few of the modern textbooks on architectural acoustics, Egan's Architectural Acoustics (1988 hardback edition in my case) still stands as the most accessible first foray into the subject. I frequently use this book in my consulting practice when I need to illustrate a fundamental concept, such as sound isolation, auditorium shaping, or the basic acoustical conditions necessary to support various styles of music. Even though the binding has mechanically failed, I have not yet been able to bring myself to part with the book long enough to have it rebound. Perhaps the new softcover binding will actually hold up better to repeated reading, as this book will surely receive and deserve!

David Egan is one of the foremost authorities in the field of architectural acoustics. I work daily with architects in the design of music spaces in the educational environment and find that there is usually a copy of his book in the office library. It is clear, concise, and an excellent resource for design professionals and others interested in workable acoustical applications. I know the author personally, and he is not only pragmatic in the solution of problems but a genuine straight-shooter. I recommend his work and book very highly.

OK, the book is old. The reviews are old. The hard cover copy (McGraw Hill, 1988) at Acoustiblok offices is battered, frayed and festooned with as many Post It notes as garlands on a parade float. Because almost every page of this almost 300 page edition is titled and illustrated, the book remains an easy-to-use and valuable resource for engineers, tweaking audiophiles, salespeople and sound-proofing customers. If "a picture is worth a thousand words," a graphic must be worth 450! Egan's classic clearly communicates complex laws, principles and concepts with simple drawings and straight-forward explanations. Bravo! A joy to page through, refer to and browse.

Over the years I have bought two text books on this difficult subject, and never could get past more than two chapters. In contrast, this book is both readable and extremely well organized with a summary of the main points at the end of each chapter. For any formulas used in the text, he defines the symbols along with the formula. No looking back to early chapters.

Highly recommended.

As an Architects and Sound Engineer, this books really helps my jobs. It has a plenty knowledege from basic audio 'till many-many ways to improve the acoustics from a room with a simple nice way. A great book for amateur's and pro's.