Auralising the soundscape of Sagrada Famlia Basilica: a virtual journey through sound

This paper presents a comprehensive exploration of the exceptional auditory environment of Gaudi's Sagrada Familia Basilica in Barcelona, Spain. This study aims to enable individuals to immerse themselves in the unique soundscape of the basilica, regardless of their physical presence, and to optimize the placement of new organs within its grand interior. The simulated soundscape includes two key components: impulse responses measured in various locations throughout the basilica, which were subsequently convolved to produce a range of sound effects, and recordings of live performances conducted within the basilica. To facilitate this immersive experience, an interactive mobile application was developed, providing users with a user-friendly tool to explore the diverse auditory landscapes of the Sagrada Familia Basilica virtually. Furthermore, the methodology employed in this study can be applied to simulate and analyse auditory conditions in any architectural setting, thereby identifying the issues, proposing improvements, and enhancing user experiences in design applications.