Similar to light, the reflection of sound depends on the material, surface structure and geometry of the reflector object. Just as mirrors can increase the perceived luminance of a room, acoustic reflectors can increase the perceived loudness of a space substantially and shape the characteristics of the sound.
Urban Architecture is a strong sound reflector. The sonic impact of flat, vertical concrete surfaces or smooth glass facades is often overlooked, and seemingly simple choices of surface materials can make a big difference. On this page, we explain the mechanisms based on examples from urban situations.