Room acoustic evaluation and environmental comfort in monumental spaces: the case of San Lorenzo church

Places of worship are spaces where architecture, spirituality, and community life intersect, and where acoustic quality plays a crucial role. In contemporary churches, the use of natural and low‑cost materials such as wood and glass remains central not only for environmental sustainability and aesthetic value, but also for their influence on sound diffusion and absorption. Elements such as carved wood and glass fragments help define the material identity of the building while shaping its overall acoustic behaviour. This study analyses the acoustic performance of the Church of San Lorenzo in Porto Rotondo (Sardinia, Italy), a contemporary building of strong monumental character, distinguished by its complex geometry and sculpted wooden interiors. The research integrates in‑situ acoustic measurements, a digital architectural survey, and the development of a calibrated three‑dimensional model based on experimental data, with the aim of assessing current conditions and identifying potential strategies to improve both acoustic and thermal comfort. The measurements, carried out in accordance with international standards, allowed the determination of T20, EDT, and C80, providing a solid basis for comparison between measured and simulated results. The resulting digital model also enables the evaluation of design interventions compatible with the architectural identity of the church. Furthermore, since the building currently lacks a climate control system, particularly for summer cooling, the study proposes a conceptual solution for the discreet integration of ventilation ducts, also assessing their acoustic impact. The adopted methodology offers an integrated framework for analysing contemporary monumental churches, balancing heritage conservation, environmental quality, and acoustic performance. The results, comparisons, and proposed interventions are presented in this work.