Acoustics is the science of sound. Goa's old churches were so designed so as to ensure the right balance between 'sound' and 'silence', thus enabling a holy resonance in the worship space.
A close inspection of the architectural proportions, wall contents and surface treatments, use of wood and coupled space, provision for ventilation, light and thermal comfort, in the old churches of Goa evoke awe and admiration for the builders of these churches. They so wisely fine-tuned the acoustical, visual and the thermal aesthetics in and around a church, to give a beholder and a worshiper an optimized experience. This uncommon wisdom of the past needs to be explored if we are serious about preserving, conserving and restoring the 'aura' of our old heritage churches in Goa and elsewhere. Attend a talk and discussion on the Dynamics of a Sound Sacred Experience in the Old Churches of Goa at the Xavier Centre of Historical Research (XCHR), Alto Porvorim on Thurday, September 19, 2013 at 5.30 pm. (BB Borkar Road, Alto Porvorim) +91-832-2417772 or 2414971 i...@xchr.in http://facebook.com/xchr.goa THE SPEAKER: DR (FR) MENINO ALLAN TAVARES sfx is a recipient of the international Young Scientist Award (ISRA-2007, Seville, Spain) and is well known in national and international circles for his expertise in the science of Acoustics. He has done his doctoral studies on 'Acoustics of Worship Spaces' at the University of Nagpur, India, and is presently doing his post-doctoral research on 'Conservation and Restoration of Acoustical Heritage at Worship Spaces' with the University of Porto, Portugal. He has presented research papers in journals and in proceedings of international congresses at Madrid, Shanghai, Ottawa, Edinburgh, Sydney, Osaka, Rachol and Chennai. At present, he is a conservation scientist on the restoration project of the Nossa Senhora do Pilar church and is simultaneously designing a syllabus for a new subject, 'Theology of Acoustics for Worship' to be taught at the Theology College, Pilar. The talk is open to all interested members of the public.