Rectangular rooms are favored because their modes are simply computable

Evidence

The behavior of sound in non-rectangular rooms is difficult to predict, requiring either scale models or powerful computer programs (e.g. NIRO, Redi Acoustics, https://rediacoustics.com/niro). Figure 14.10 shows two-dimensional estimated pressure distributions for modes in rectangular and non-rectangular spaces. Both shapes exhibit regions of high sound level, and nodal lines where sound levels are very low. The real difference is that in rectangular rooms the patterns can be predicted using simple calculations. — Toole, Floyd E, Sound reproduction- the acoustics and…, 1553

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Rectangular rooms are preferred because their modes are predictable; Axial mode frequencies are computable from room dimensions by a simple formula; Room modes are determined by the linear dimensions of opposing surfaces (+3 more)
• yield-rescued: below the book’s yield-target cutoff, included anyway for connecting to: Rectangular rooms are preferred because their modes are predictable; Axial mode frequencies are computable from room dimensions by a simple formula; Room modes are determined by the linear dimensions of opposing surfaces (+3 more)

Broader Connections

• Rectangular rooms are preferred because their modes are predictable #corroborates (0.98)