The role of architectural acoustics in advancing the aural tradition during the Safavid era

The Safavid era was a significant ruling dynasty in Iran (1501–1736). This period enabled a rich collection of art and architecture as well as scientific and engineering innovations. Naqsh-e-Jahan Square, the apotheosis of the Safavids' urban design, hosts four monumental structures on each side of the plaza. On the south side, the Imam Mosque is an exemplary building in which the Iranian scholar Shaykh Baha'i implemented his knowledge of the science of sound and hyperbolic mathematics to solve acoustical problems. The result is a tranquil soundscape that allows for synchronized prayer rituals with intelligible speeches for up to 15 000 people. The Ali Qapu palace, with its magnificent music room, the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque, the royal family spiritual practice space, and the bazaar portal connecting the great plaza to the heart of the city, each contribute differently to the sonic identity of this complex. This research focuses on the mechanism of sound energy exchange, energy decay pattern due to acoustic coupling, volumetric design, and the impact of material selection and ornamentation in creating the sonic landscape. In a broader scheme, the goal is to find the connection between the created soundscape and the intended function of the spaces.