Overview
ISO 23591:2021/Amd 1:2025 is an important amendment to the international standard specifying acoustic quality criteria for music rehearsal rooms and spaces, specifically addressing Asian (Korean) traditional music, Gugak. Released by ISO, this amendment enriches the original ISO 23591:2021 with tailored acoustic guidelines for spaces where Korean traditional music is practiced, acknowledging its unique sound characteristics and cultural context.
This update introduces definitions and acoustic parameters accommodating the specific needs of Gugak instruments and traditional Korean rehearsal environments like the Hanok, a wooden building known for its distinct acoustic properties.
Key Topics
- Acoustic criteria for Asian instruments: The amendment details sound effect levels measured from Korean traditional instruments to assist in calculating sound strength and room acoustics suited to Gugak.
- New terminology:
- Hanok: Traditional Korean wooden building influencing acoustic design.
- Gugak: Korean traditional music, for which specific acoustic standards now apply.
- Sound power levels: Provides measured sound power levels for various Gugak instruments, recognizing that Asian instruments generally produce lower sound levels compared to Western counterparts.
- Room reverberation: Highlights the preference for shorter reverberation times in rehearsal spaces for Korean music, reflecting acoustics naturally found in traditional Hanok architecture.
- Instrument classifications and comparisons: Includes tables comparing Korean instruments with those from China and Japan to underline shared characteristics and differences in acoustic output.
Applications
This amendment serves as a practical resource for:
- Architects and acousticians designing or modifying rehearsal rooms, performance venues, and recording studios specifically tailored for Gugak music.
- Cultural centers and music academies teaching and promoting Korean traditional music, ensuring optimal sound conditions.
- Acoustic consultants tasked with creating balanced environments respecting traditional sound qualities of Korean instruments.
- Musicians and ensemble directors seeking spaces that meet culturally appropriate acoustic standards to enhance musical expression.
By applying this standard, spaces will better support the nuances of Gugak, from the softer, subtle tones of instruments like the Gayageum (plucked strings) to the clearer articulations of wind and percussion instruments, improving rehearsal efficiency and performance authenticity.
Related Standards
- ISO 23591:2021, the original standard on acoustic quality criteria for music rehearsal rooms and spaces.
- ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1 & 2, providing the editorial framework for development and maintenance of ISO documents.
- Related acoustic standards under ISO/TC 43, Acoustics, focusing on building acoustics and sound measurement.
- Research references cited for acoustic preferences and reverberation time studies in Gugak practice spaces, such as:
- Kim et al., Survey on Acoustic Preferences in Gugak Practice Spaces (2024)
- Yang et al., Reverberation Times Preferred by Traditionally versus Classically Trained Musicians (2021)
Keywords: ISO 23591:2021/Amd 1:2025, acoustic quality criteria, music rehearsal rooms, Gugak, Korean traditional music, Asian musical instruments, Hanok acoustics, reverberation time, sound power levels, music room design, acoustic standards, traditional Korean instruments, acoustic consulting, ISO standards.