

Fiona Smyth, "Pistols in St Paul's: Science, Music, and Architecture in the Twentieth Century" (Manchester UP, 2024)
Nov 22, 2024
Fiona Smyth, a historian of architecture and science, dives into the intriguing intersection between acoustics and architecture. She recounts a fascinating 1951 scientific demonstration at St Paul’s Cathedral, exploring whether buildings can act as musical instruments. The discussion highlights key innovations in acoustic measurement during the 20th century, wartime adaptations for concert venues, and the pivotal roles women played in music and acoustics post-war. Smyth's insights reveal how aesthetic design can harmonize with sound quality to elevate public architecture.
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
1 2 3 4 5 6
Intro
00:00 • 3min
Echoes of Innovation: Acoustics in the Early 20th Century
03:28 • 9min
Balancing Aesthetics and Acoustics in Architectural Design
12:52 • 2min
Acoustics and Architecture: A Historical Exploration
14:57 • 12min
Acoustic Innovations during Wartime: Soundscapes of World War II
26:30 • 3min
Exploring Women's Roles in Music and Acoustics Post-War
29:11 • 3min