Acoustic Bulletin

Room acoustics blog

research

The effect of sound absorbers and diffusers in ordinary public rooms

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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 […]

Despite meeting the regulations, satisfying sound environments are not achieved in Danish hospitals

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A “must-hear” presentation on satisfying sound environments for all legislators, architects, acoustics engineers, builders and hospital staff. This is how we would describe the presentation entitled “A holistic assessment of sound environment in hospitals” by Hannah C. W. Jakobsen (Ramboll Denmark) during the Ecophon International Acoustics Seminar 2023. Satisfying sound environments The presentation summarized a […]

Sensory design for age and dementia-friendly environments

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‘Show of hands, who believes buildings can make you sick?’ ‘Show of hands, who believes buildings can make you feel better?’ At EIAS 2023 Laura Arpiainen (M.Arch. Professor, Health and Wellbeing Architecture at Aalto University, Finland) spoke about sensory design, focusing on age and dementia friendly environments. When thinking about buildings for healthcare, the first […]

New Finnish acoustic standard paves the way

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Finland paves the way for clear and science-based guidelines worldwide, with its revised standard for acoustic environments in buildings. Developed by the country’s leading acousticians, the standard is established in the business and among policymakers. In 2017, Finland’s Ministry of the Environment issued a decree on the Acoustic Environment of Buildings. Several parts of the […]

Acoustical effects of face masks on Speech Perception

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The recent pandemic gave rise to the use of face masks, however, most people found it difficult to wear a mask. As per recent research in 2020 and 2021: However, the global rise in cases proved that masks helped to reduce the cases and prevent fatalities. It also gave mental satisfaction to professionals returning to […]

Expert interview: Prof. Laura Arpiainen

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Laura Arpiainen is the first professor in Finland in Health and Wellbeing Architecture, at Aalto University in Helsinki. She has led a research project that has designed new, flexible living solutions for the elderly with mild memory disorders. The acoustic design was one of the focus areas and resulted in the development of an acoustic […]

Soundscape Attributes Translation Project (SATP)

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The following article on the SATP project courtesy of Dr. Francesco Aletta, at UCL via Ph.D. Candidate Ela Fasllija at Bilkent University. Soundscape  Sounds in cities and built environments are often measured as noise in terms of decibel levels. Yet the human perception of soundscapes is often overlooked. Soundscape opens up the possibilities of managing […]

Healthcare at Internoise 2022

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Tomomi Yamada: Masking effect of sounds during treatment on dental drill sound The drill is an excellent device – except for the sound! Well, we can probably all agree with that opening statement by Tomomi Yamada.  It´s human nature to respond instantaneously to frightening sounds and this sound probably affects most people! The sound is […]

Sustainable Acoustics at Internoise 2022

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We continue on giving you highlights and summarise of a variety of subjects from Internoise in Glasgow, enjoy! Abigail Bristow: From the cost of noise to the value of soundscape The past two decades have seen an ongoing paradigm shift from noise control to soundscaping. Soundscape approaches have been widely applied in traditional noise management […]