Immersive Acoustics in Cultural Heritage Applications

This chapter embarks on a comprehensive exploration of immersive acoustics within the cultural heritage domain, a rapidly emerging field bridging technological innovation with historical preservation. While traditional efforts have frequently centred on visualising the histories of spaces and places, there is a growing recognition of the significance of sound in conveying historical authenticity and enriching cultural experiences. Sound enhances emotional connections and authenticity in cultural heritage experiences, fostering accessibility, interdisciplinary collaboration and educational value, while also benefiting tourism and the economy. In response to this trend, we present a standard methodology for auralising locations of historical significance. This methodology integrates the auditory dimension with visual representations, cultivating a multi-modal context that provides a more complete sensory experience of heritage sites. We delve into various common approaches to spatialised sound generation, acoustic rendering, auditory-visual cross-modal inter-actions and their application within historical settings. The distinguishing feature of this is the introduction of a case study on the Panagia Angeloktisti, a Byzantine church in Cyprus. Through this targeted investigation, we illuminate best practice approaches for applying immersive acoustics in cultural heritage environments. This includes a detailed analysis of the church’s unique acoustic properties, the innovative technological solutions employed and the aural experience created for users. Furthermore, we consider challenges and limitations within the field, laying the groundwork for future inquiries. By synthesising insights from technology, art, psychology and history, we craft a cohesive narrative that emphasises the multifaceted nature of immersive acoustics in cultural heritage. This chapter contributes both a broad survey of the field and a specific, practical application through the Panagia Angeloktisti case study. This narrative underscores the transformative potential of integrating sound with visual components in cultural heritage applications and suggests fertile ground for future research direction, innovation and collaboration.