Undesirable acoustics in educational spaces have long been considered averse to our goals to effectively teach, create, collaborate, listen, and learn. Now, in the wake of implementing pandemic protocols, our acoustic comfort in these spaces is greatly challenged. This course examines the impacts of poor soundscapes in educational facilities and introduces innovative solutions for improving acoustics in these areas while keeping us comfortable and safe from exposure to emerging viruses.

Unwanted sound can become more than a mere annoyance. Excess noise has been found to increase stress and distraction, reduce learning and productivity, and even lead to hypertension and permanent hearing loss. This course presents an overview of how sound is described and measured and discusses the many industrial and architectural products available to control noise in virtually any environment.

This presentation offers design overviews for noise control and room acoustics across many different project types. The program uses project types to demonstrate the different level of design considerations that are required, from light acoustic treatment for basic reverberation control to isolated concrete slabs that are separated from structural deck with spring mounts to mitigate heavy impacts.

Rapidly changing trends in our society, such as urbanization and modern lifestyle, have resulted in isolation of humans from our experiences within nature. Early research has shown that psychological effects of biophilic design on noise perception have a significant influence in the well-being and health such as focus, information retention, productivity and creativity. In this course, we will identify these potential problems and the effects of them; as well as outline different corrective actions to mitigate/lessen the issues.

Most designers are aware that many room types require acoustic treatment. Some are aware of acoustic terms such as NRC. This presentation will take that knowledge to the next level. Learn about the strengths and weaknesses of room acoustics design standards with this overview of theory and design methodology. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs. Strategies for different project types will be presented.

Good acoustic environments are important to the general well-being of all building users. This course outlines the benefits of creating them with wall and ceiling acoustic treatments. It includes many acoustic wall and ceiling treatment options and sample installations.

Reducing noise between occupied spaces isn’t just needed for occupant comfort and productivity, it is sometimes required by building code. This presentation is an overview of noise control principals, construction composites, and design methodology for ceilings, floors, and partitions. A special emphasis is placed on performance-oriented designs requiring third party consultants.

This presentation will review the basics of sound, sound movement, and sound measurement to detail the comprehensive range of applications available to the designer to block unwanted noises, control the acoustics in large venues, and provide complete privacy where it is needed, and to discover how to improve the aesthetic appeal of each space as a result.

Equipment vibration that becomes structure borne can break out directly below or as is often the case far from the source. This presentation will cover the different types of isolation needed under machinal systems. Selection criteria of different isolation media will be offered for chillers, boilers, cooling towers. As important is the proper restraint of isolated equipment; the design and types of seismic and wind restraints will be presented.