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FrancoAngeli Journals

Scientific papers

2026: online first

The New Central Civic Library of Turin: study of simulated noise and cognitive effects

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/ria2026oa22147
Submitted
febbraio 27, 2026
Published
2026-10-01

Abstract

Contemporary libraries are multifunctional spaces in which study, social interaction and cultural events coexist, making the management of the acoustic environment a central issue. This challenge is amplified in historic buildings, where conservation constraints limit acoustic interventions. The present study examines the New Civic Central Library of Turin, which will be housed in one of the pavilions of Torino Esposizioni, currently under functional transformation, with a volume of approximately 160 000 m³ and an average reverberation time of 6 s. A three-dimensional model developed in Odeon 18 was used to simulate a realistic sound scenario including traffic, HVAC and anthropogenic noise in a position considered acoustically critical. The simulated overall sound pressure level of 61.8 dB(A) was used to evaluate the effects of noise on cognitive performance through an experimental session involving 10 participants (23-59 years old) , who were tested under both quiet and noise conditions. The results did not reveal statistically significant differences in performance, despite a moderate level of perceived annoyance.

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