Comparison and simulation-based analysis of the sound field of Dong drum tower buildings

Abstract Drum towers are the most prominent cultural markers and the major site for cultural ceremonies in Dong villages. The visibility and audibility of drum towers are important factors influencing the location and construction of buildings in Dong villages. In this paper, the authors map and classify 21 drum tower buildings according to three characteristics: shape of the plan, elevation of the enclosure, and aspect ratio of the longitudinal section. Having used the sound field simulation software Odeon to filter two of the three characteristics that were identical, the authors simulated drum towers with different values of the third characteristic to study the factors influencing their sound field. The correlation between the construction of the drum tower and its characteristics of sound was established, and the characteristics of the sound field as well as their adaptability were assessed by comparing different forms of drum towers. This can provide technical support for the protection and repair of drum towers, their renovation and upgrade, and the construction of new drum towers in the Dong region.