For practical reasons, most measurements of acoustics in ancient Greek theatres are made without an audience. Under those conditions much of the sound reaching the listener is in the form of reflections from the curved stone risers that form the seating. These reflections would be attenuated or eliminated by the audience. Let´s explore the Epidauros […]
Education
Listening tests: linking objective room acoustic parameters with subjective human perception
Daniel de la Prida from Carlos III University in Madrid presented about his study into listening tests. He focussed on tests that can be used for linking objective room acoustic parameters with subjective human perception. Such tests have been in use for many years. However, different research usually employs different test protocols, with different operational […]
Acoustic metrics for innovative learning environments
Acoustics included as part of a major education research project Amanda Robinson has been a key researcher gathering acoustic metrics for innovative learning environments and she presented the findings at EIAS2023 this year. Traditional acoustic parameters are often used to describe the environment within learning environments. These include metrics such as ambient sound levels, reverberation […]
Optimal reverberation time in classrooms (Italian schools)
Arianna Astolfi Associate Professor at Politecnico di Torino, Department of Energy Torino, Italy has worked with acoustics since 2000. Optimal reverberation time in classrooms in Italian schools is her latest initiative. The study background and scope Arianna shared her thoughts and findings from a large study of Italian classrooms. This was specifically motivated to see […]
The effect of sound absorbers and diffusers in ordinary public rooms
Introduction Emma Arvidsson, Researcher and PhD ”Acoustic Design with Regard to Human Perception” presented her recent Phd study at EIAS2023. She focused on the objective and subjective aspects of acoustic design in ordinary rooms. Aiming to optimize room acoustics and examining the effects of different sound absorbers and diffusers. ‘Acoustic design plays a crucial role […]
The sound of absorption – an experience!
How would you explain the experience of good sound absorption in a room? To truly understand the value of better acoustics you need to experience it firsthand. This is why we have built two identical rooms with different absorption in our showroom Ecorama at the Ecophon headquarters in Hyllinge, Sweden. Here you can experience the […]
Classic Acoustics and Psychoacoustics – Similarities and Differences
Right after the grand opening of EIAS 2023, it was time for Alice Hoffman Senior Acoustician, PhD from Brekke and Strand, to make her entrance. She took us on a journey to see how Classical Acoustics can be compared to Psychoacoustics. Her own thoughts on this are that it often seems to be a lot […]
Revision of CSN 73 0527 -The Czech Acoustic Standard
The importance of keeping standards relevant and up to date It is indeed important to periodically revise and update acoustic norms. This can take into account for developments like; advancements in technology, changing usage patterns, and evolving needs in indoor environments. As technology and audio-visual systems continue to advance, how we use and experience indoor […]
Learning environments – how do they sound?
For many years, research has shown that good room acoustics is crucial in learning environments and the discussion is no longer whether good room acoustics is to be prioritized or not but rather what indicators should reach what levels. Rasmussen et al [1] give an overview of the trend in reverberation time criteria for classrooms […]
Acoustics and WELLbeing: the WELL Building Standard
Building standards often consider the performance of a building, including energy efficiency, water consumption and material usage. But what about the occupants? An environmentally friendly, well-built building provides no guarantees that their needs will be considered, even when certified in most cases. Unless it has a WELL Building Standard certification, that is, which considers thermal […]