Vol.16, No.1, 2016, pp.59–66
UDC  534.84

Archaeoacoustics or archaeology of sound is a multidisciplinary field of research, focused on acoustics of historical places and argumentation of ‘the continuity of creating the sound field from prehistoric caves, megalithic structures, ancient theatres and odea, Christian catacombs, all the way to the medieval and renaissance sacral architecture and public edifices’. Its overall goal is to expend our comprehension of cultural history, especially the historical endeavour of builders to control the acoustical properties of sacral and performing places. Although the shift in heritage discourse happened from the 1972 to 2003 UNESCO Conventions, and has enabled the more holistic approach to heritage research, the aspect of sound in built environment is not properly treated as acoustical heritage of humanity. This paper addresses the issue of acoustical heritage recognition, as an inseparable intangible aspect of architectural patrimony. The goal is to indicate the relevance of acoustical research of historical places for the understandings of the history of architecture, and thus argue the need for conservation and safeguarding decisions that correspond to the archaeoacoustical research findings. Therefore, the key recommendations of the relevant UNESCO Conventions are interpreted and discussed.

Keywords: intangible cultural heritage, history of architecture, archaeoacoustics