Predicting sound absorption is in general troublesome. We have too many definitions; e.g. normal incidence, random incidence, field incidence, angle-dependent absorption coefficient, local-reaction or extended reaction absorption coefficient, etc. Another problem is that there are various standardised methods, but none of them can give an absolute truth. Cheol-Ho Jeong, Associate Professor at DTU, was one […]
Simplifying acoustics
Acoustics can be confusing, here’s how to simplify it For someone that is new to the world of acoustics, going to a conference like Internoise can be an eye-opener in terms of the width of disciplines that’s included under the umbrella of acoustics. Acoustic Bulletin focuses to a large degree on room acoustics, and we […]
Acoustic improvements lower teacher heart rate, voice levels and improve the general experience
Better acoustics in the classroom reduce the teacher’s heart rate, according to research by students at a leading technological institute in the Czech Republic. Negative stress leads to bad decisions and poorer performance. When we are under stress, our heart rate increases, which is a good measure of how stressed we are. Jana Dolejší, a […]
Sound schools: the importance of good acoustics
When we speak, we push air from our lungs, which continues up through the neck via the vocal chords, which in turn vibrate and create sound. The sound continues on via the nasal cavity and oral cavity, creating sound waves that are released into the room. These sound waves are received by someone’s ears via […]
Sound and school design from three architects’ point-of-view
In this post, we have collated three architects’ views on the role of sound in designing school buildings. The listening architect Architects focus on sight, as this has been quoted by giants such as Aristotle, Vitruvius, Palladio and Corbusier as “the noblest of all arts”. In other words, sight has been perceived by many as the […]
7 perspectives on how to design the human centered workplace
How can we design a workplace fit for purpose? This was the overall question on the international seminar Human Centric Workplaces held in Stockholm November 30. Seven highly recognised experts all delivered the same conclusion: There is no one-fit-all answer. This conclusion is why seminars and conferences like this are so important to the industry. […]
Designing a sound Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Neonatal Intensive Care A neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is a place that is never quiet. It is filled with medical equipment, incubators, babies and staff. The background noise constantly exceeds 50 dB, which is equivalent to hearing the ongoing sound of a refrigerator or of light traffic. Sometimes the noise peaks up to 70-75 […]
‘Good’ and ‘bad’ healthcare acoustics
The sound environment impacts our well-being. In healthcare, patients and staff are seen to both feel and do better in an environment with ‘good’, sound-absorbing acoustics. As opposed to being in surroundings with sound-reflecting, or ‘bad’, acoustics. Healthcare acoustics Sound-reflecting vs. sound-absorbing acoustics Research comparing the impact of sound-reflecting and sound-absorbing acoustics on healthcare staff and […]
EIAS2015 special: Why use acoustic regulations, standards and guidelines?
When designing for good acoustics, how do you make sure you follow the rules and demands of a certain space? You will (at least) have to look at: The requirements = What you are trying to achieve acoustically. The legal standards, the building regulations and guidelines = The way this is going to be achieved. […]
High tech research facility can still require simple acoustic solutions
On the plains of southern Sweden, a futuristic building reminiscent of a spaceship sets the tone for the landscape. This is MAX IV, currently one of the most talked about research facilities, not just in Sweden, but internationally as well. This is where Sweden will be offering researchers and companies the best source of x-rays […]
