Educational Facilities
The ability to communicate in classrooms and other learning spaces is enhanced when the spaces exhibit properly low levels of background noise and short reverberation, times which conditions improve speech intelligibility and optimize teaching and learning abilities. Sources of noise in a classroom can include ventilation systems and other building mechanical equipment, and speech intrusions from adjacent spaces. The acoustics of classrooms are enhanced with proper quantities of installed acoustical ceiling and wall finishes and carpeting.
Appropriate classroom acoustical design criteria are cited in a number of current standards. Aurora Acoustical Consultants Inc. uses these standards and other reference goals to prepare recommendations for designs of classrooms renovations and new construction.
- ANSI/ASA S12.60-
2010/Part 1 American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools, Part 1: Permanent Schools - ANSI/ASA S12.60-
2009/Part 2 American National Standard Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools, Part 2: Relocatable Classroom Factors. - ASHRAE Standard 189.1P Standard for the Design of High-
Performance Green Buildings Except Low- Rise Residential Buildings.
The classroom acoustics standards recommend maximum limits on background noise levels and reverberation times, and minimum sound attenuation ratings of partitions. We use these design criteria to develop recommendations to architects and interior designers for:
- Classroom layouts, partition types, and floor-
ceiling assembly types for proper sound insulation - Classroom sizes and acoustic room finishes to minimize reverberation and optimize speech intelligibility
Mechanical design criteria contained in the standards are used to assist mechanical engineers in the selections of :
- Inherently quiet classroom ventilation equipment based on their rated sound levels
- Appropriate configurations of ducts and selections of terminal devices to minimize
flow-
generated noise - Duct silencing needed to reduce fan noise
Other school spaces that we evaluate for sound insulation, interior acoustics, and background noise levels, include:
- Auditorium and theater performance spaces
- Large group instruction rooms and meeting rooms
- Choral, instrumental, and small group rehearsal rooms
- Gymnasiums and natatoriums
- Media centers and libraries, television studios
- Multi-
purpose rooms and cafeteria
