UGWU, IFEANYI PETER (2026) EFFECTIVE ACOUSTICS IN CATHEDRALS: A DESIGN OF A CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL FOR AWGU DIOCESE, ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA. Other thesis, GODFREY OKOYE UNIVERSITY, ENUGU,.
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Abstract
Acoustic plays a very significant role in designing of places of worship because sound reception quality from preacher, prayer, music and other liturgical activities is heavily determined by the acoustic quality of the space. Ironically, acoustic aspect is one that receives least design consideration in most Nigerian church structures. In consequence this phenomenon manifest in terms of poor speech intelligibility, excessive reverberation, improper sound distribution and extensive application of amplification electronic equipment.The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of Architectural acoustics in the design of a Catholic Cathedral for Awgu Diocese in Enugu State, Nigeria.This study was designed as a descriptive architectural research that included a wide literature review, case study analysis, and site investigation. The local case studies of St. Theresa's Cathedral, Abakaliki, and selected Nigerian cathedrals were compared and contrasted with the international ones of SagradaFamília, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and St. Peter's Basilica. These case studies have been useful in understanding the interrelationships between building form, material choice, spatial organization, and acoustics. Literature and case study findings were synthesized and used to develop a design proposal for Awgu Diocese based on the 21st-century cathedral.Effective acoustics cannot be realized only by amplifying the sound, but must be addressed at the very beginning of an architectural design, the study revealed. The geometry and ceiling configuration of a building, the dimensions of rooms, the type of interior finishes, and acoustic materials all have a significant effect on speech intelligibility, sound distribution, and reverberation. The findings also indicated that with the use of a good building design, orientation and natural ventilation, and careful space design, worship environments can be made functional and enriching.From this, a design for a cathedral was created, incorporating the symbolism of the cross and the bishop's miter to symbolize the Church's universal message of the Christian faith and the bishop's pastoral role within the Church. The proposed design will combine the elements of acoustics, Catholic liturgical needs, environmental responsiveness, and contemporary architecture to create a worship space that improves the clarity of speech and is conducive to the use of sacred music and active participation of the congregation.The study brings a conclusion that architectural acoustics is not a secondary consideration in the design of a worship space, but it should be considered as a primary design consideration. From the conceptual design stage, acoustics can be combined with the design of the space so that cathedral environments can be visually inspiring, environmentally responsive, acoustically efficient, and functional for the spiritual and functional needs of current and future generations. The study is expected to help Church Authorities, students, and researchers, as well as Architects in planning and designing worship spaces in Nigeria and other similar environments.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Other) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | N Fine Arts > NA Architecture |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies |
| Depositing User: | Nnenna Ayo |
| Date Deposited: | 24 Jul 2026 13:40 |
| Last Modified: | 24 Jul 2026 13:40 |
| URI: | http://eprints.gouni.edu.ng/id/eprint/5988 |
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