Durham School faculty’s book honored by Acoustical Society of America

A recently published acoustical book, titled “Worship Space Acoustics: 3 Decades of Design,” co-edited by Durham School of Architectural Engineering & Construction faculty Erica Ryherd and Lauren Ronsse, was awarded the 2017 Science Writing Award for Professionals in Acoustics by the Acoustical Society of America.

The award was presented at the ASA’s fall meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana, Dec. 4-8.

“Worship Space Acoustics: 3 Decades of Design” was published in 2016 and features acoustical and design elements from 67 worship spaces and representing 12 major religions around the world. Acoustical consulting firms, architects, and worship space designers all contributed to the development of the book.

“Through descriptions, photos, drawings, and acoustical data the book provides valuable information on existing worship spaces designed during the past thirty years,” said Bob Coffeen, FASA, School of Architecture, Design & Planning at the University of Kansas. “This very well edited book, along with the editors' preface and six excellent essays from worship space designers, provides valuable information and ideas on the aesthetic, acoustic, and liturgical design of worship spaces for a number of faiths and in several countries.”

Ronsse is an industry fellow and Ryherd is an associate professor, both at The Durham School. David T. Bradley, Ph.D., an associate professor in the Physics and Astronomy Department at Vassar College, partnered on the endeavor.

The Acoustical Society of America is an international scientific society dedicated to generating, disseminating and promoting the knowledge of acoustics and its practical applications.