The nature of work has changed, and with it, the way we design offices. But how will this change the sound environment of future offices and what does it mean for the acoustic design of workplaces? By far the space layout with the highest risk of infection in the modern office is the various […]
reverberance
Heart rate is a medically recognised stressor – Noise reduction gives teachers a significant long-term benefit
This is not new, however it is a fundamental aspect to consider when designing optimal sustainable indoor environments. By measuring/recording the heart rate of teachers, an indicator of stress was apparent in lessons and also over a longer more sustained period. Here is a short insight overview on stress as stated by ASA (American Heart […]
Multipurpose spaces function much better for their activities after acoustic improvements
The Municipal Music School of Pinto, in Madrid was in need of improving the acoustics of its facilities in order to further motivate its students and offer teachers a healthier work environment. More specifically, a multipurpose room as well as the entrance hall were treated with “Class A” absorbing acoustic solutions acoustic solutions. The latter […]
The impact of noise in education – a research summary
This new research summary is now available and lifts out evidence from a variety of research studies around the world. These studies address a broad range of important aspects which need to be considered in learning environments. It is based on a recent extensive literature review by Professor Emerita Bridget Shield made for Ecophon. We […]
Language students in Slovakia now appreciate the importance of good acoustics
Improved language lessons at Bilingual Grammar School in Žilina Slovakia. Before the acoustic improvements, students had to cope with poor speech intelligibility and excessive reverberation during their language lessons. It was not only the students who complained about the poor acoustics, but also teachers were angry about the environment because they had to strain their […]
Reverberation room vs Anechoic Chamber
Here is a short film where our editor Juan Negreira demonstrates some aspects around the acoustic free field, and the broad range of acoustic dynamics which can be found between two acoustic opposites. This is a chance to experience and share difference between being inside a room coated with highly absorptive material versus in a […]
Designing out “Chinook” flutter echoes in speech communication rooms
In September, it was a pleasure to present a work in progress “Optimising the acoustic design for a multi-purpose room used for speech communication activities” at ICA 2019 in Aachen. One of our inhouse head office rooms recently remodelled to accommodate a mixture of training functions. The sound environment for a room designed for speech […]
Acoustic fine tuning transforms award winning science museum
Guest blog post by: Nick Treby focusing on recent alterations for Thinktank the Birmingham Science Museum Thinktank Birmingham is an award winning science museum, absolutely packed with exhibits that range from steam engines and talking robots through to gurgling guts and a chocolate wrapping machine. It features a Planetarium, and lots of changing exhibition spaces. It […]
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 […]
Our acoustics podcast Episode Two – A Sound Education
Shane Cryer, Concept Developer Educational Environments at Ecophon UK & Ireland and Russell Richardson, Director at RBA Acoustics and the Institute of Acoustics Council’s Honorary Secretary with Salma Cranfield the presenter. Episode Two – A Sound Education That good acoustics in schools and higher education institutions is vital, should not be much of a surprise to Acoustic […]
