Influence of architectural morphology and materiality on classroom acoustic performance under urban traffic noise

Urban noise significantly affects acoustic comfort in educational buildings, particularly in university classrooms located in dense urban environments. Despite extensive research on indoor acoustics, the influence of architectural configuration and building–urban relationships on noise transmission into learning spaces remains insufficiently understood. This study examines how architectural morphology and construction materials influence classroom acoustic performance under urban traffic noise. The study was conducted at a university campus in southern Peru through in-situ acoustic measurements and architectural analysis. Noise monitoring was conducted over 12 days across six classrooms and four outdoor monitoring points using a Class I sound level meter. Results show indoor noise reductions of up to 19.25 dBA. Differences between ignimbrite masonry and reinforced concrete–drywall systems were observed in noise attenuation and reverberation. These findings highlight the importance of architectural configuration and materiality in the acoustic design of educational buildings in noisy urban environments.