Acoustics and Reverberation
Julian Treasure: Why architects need to use their ears (9:51)
Because of poor acoustics, students in classrooms miss 50 percent of what their teachers say and patients in hospitals have trouble sleeping because they continually feel stressed. Julian Treasure sounds a call to action for designers to pay attention to the “invisible architecture” of sound. A 2nd link (same video), over 1 M viewers on TEDx Global
How Do Acoustic Sound Panels Work and Where to Place Them on Tech Talk Ep. 69 (5:47)
Ever wondered how acoustic sound panels work or where to place them for the most acoustic absorption in commercial spaces? Each commercial space has its own soundproofing needs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
This video is a good place to start, and then you can watch other YouTube videos and search on the Internet for more information.
Classroom Acoustics
- Classroom Acoustics Booklets Acoustical Society of America
- Classroom Acoustics, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
- Blog. 15 Acoustic Solutions for Classrooms
- ANSI Standards for Classroom Acoustics: Noise Standards for Speech Intelligibility in the Classroom. Larson Davis, commercial website, but nice summary.
- ANSI/ASA S12.60/Part 1-2010 (R2020): Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, And Guidelines For Schools, Part 1: Permanent Schools
Hearing Loss, Acoustics, Reverberation
- Emer, Stephen. “Table Talk: Improving Dining Room Acoustics for Older Adults with Hearing Loss.” The ASHA Leader 16, no. 8 (December 17, 2018).
Measuring Reverberation
- Larson Davis. “Reverberation Time in Room Acoustics.” Accessed April 18, 2024.
Articles
- Chung-Sao, L (2023) 6 Ways to Soundproof a Space. Hearing Health Foundation
Acoustical Treatment
- Acoustic tiles/panels
- Flooring. Internet search suggestion: “acoustical flooring educational materials” without quotes
- Ceiling tiles
- Hanging baffles
- Decor: furniture, decor, drapes
- Room dividers
Professional Evaluation
- Acoustical Consultants. National Council of Acoustical Consultants [NCAC]
Resources
- Acoustical Surfaces (business), free online books
- How to Soundproof a Wall (Budget DIY to Pro – 2025 Edition) (18:14)
- DIY-make your ownacoutical panels from fiberglass boards
