Some Fundamentals of Acoustic Design

When it comes to acoustic design, it can be difficult to comprehend. For starters acoustics are a challenge for both architects and designers. Acoustics involves all aspects of design and many factors need to be taken into account to avoid a multitude of issues. Architects must take into consideration factors such as room size, room finishes, wall and floor construction and mechanical/electrical services to name just a few. These can all affect the acoustics within a room. To avoid acoustics from becoming an issue, acoustical design services can assist and are best engaged early in the design process.

Breaking it Down

No space is the same and architects strive to design buildings which are unique, attractive and functional. With that said, acoustical solutions within a building are not the same as the next. Many different things can go wrong when it comes to acoustics. For example, if HVAC noise is not addressed during design, a newly constructed building could have excessive sound levels that do not allow for the space to be used for its intended purpose. Often, attempting to resolve these issues after a building has been constructed is disruptive, difficult and cost prohibitive.

In a restaurant, sound absorption can be beneficial to create a more intimate setting as noise is reduced. In highly reflective spaces without sound absorption, people have great difficulty hearing and understanding conversation with others at their table. Gymnasiums are another example of a space where sound absorption is often ignored. In a school setting, reverberant spaces and poor speech intelligibility can be fatiguing to the occupants and pose a safety issue if students do not clearly understand instructions from their teacher.. These are just a few examples of how acoustic engineering services can provide efficient solutions to common sound issues.

Location

Programming of spaces within a building must be strategic, keeping acoustics in mind. It is important to consider adjacencies that can minimize acoustic issues. For example, a recording studio overlooking a busy train track or sharing a common wall with a washroom would impose design constraints and result in added construction costs. Consideration of location, which is done early in the design process,is vital to good, cost effective acoustic design..

Shape Your Spaces

Think strategically about acoustic design at the beginning stages of a project. Consider the size, shape and adjacencies of rooms within the building. These factors determine acoustics services. Curved wall surfaces or open floor plans can create acoustical challenges that are hard to address. Judicious use of these features can simplify the process. Also, consider the acoustical properties of the equipment and furnishings in your space. Are they sound absorbing or do they produce noise?

Working With Valcoustics Canada LTD

For over 65 years, Valcoustics Canada Ltd has provided acoustical engineering services. At Valcoustics, we provide professional services for a wide variety of spaces and issues. In our mechanized and high-tech world, sound levels continue to increase and impact our quality of life. For more information about Valcoustics, visit our site or call us today.

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