Focus on Acoustics: Acoustically Integrated aRchitecture (AIR)
August 1, 2008
For years, TA has worked to influence the building and construction trades by advocating for acoustically friendly design, and now we’ve given that practice a name: Acoustically Integrated aRchitecture (AIR). AIR is a holistic best practice which, recognizing that the
Focus on Acoustics: City Noise Ordinances, Navigating a Sea of Noise
April 1, 2008
As our population increases and expands, “noise pollution” has been increasingly recognized as a serious and growing environmental and health problem, with consequences ranging from stress and anxiety to permanent hearing loss. Thankfully, noise ordinances have been put in place
Talk It Out
March 20, 2008
Information management. That is what project management really consists of: Information management, i.e. communication. As project managers, we need to be responsible information managers. We need to keep people informed of when and what items are needed to keep the
Quiet Curtains: A Product with Potential
February 1, 2008
Draperies and curtains have long been used as a cost-effective, aesthetically pleasing, and adjustable means of acoustic treatment within a room. The thick, heavy fabric provides useful sound absorption and reverberation control, especially at middle and high frequencies. Quiet Curtains
Focus on Acoustics: ClearSorber Lets the Light In
February 1, 2008
As acoustical consultants, we incorporate a wide variety of finishes to the walls, floors, and ceiling of a space to meet the design criteria. But what about glazing? Windows, skylights, glass partitions and doors and decorative glazing are all part
To RT60, or Not to RT60
December 1, 2007
It’s surprising how often we’re asked to design a space for a specific reverberation time (RT60), when in actuality it is a completely inappropriate criteria for the project. We understand that “reverberation” is just a really fun word to say,
Project Highlight: Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center
October 1, 2007
The new Kaiser Permanente Hospital and Medical Offices in Santa Clara, CA recently opened on a 52-acre campus. The facility is equipped with leading edge technology yet designed with a warm, inviting environment. The hospital campus is home for a
Helipad Solutions
October 1, 2007
Corporations, television stations, police and firefighters use helipads, even high-end residential estates. The noise from the helicopters as they approach, land, and take off can be extremely disruptive to anyone within earshot. At Thorburn Associates our Engineers can provide the
Product Review: Perforated Wood Panels
August 1, 2007
The need to adjust the acoustics in a commercial setting is apparent in many common areas. Common areas planned for only pedestrian circulation are now being converted into lobbies, break rooms and cafeterias that need a balanced reverberation time to
Project Highlight: San Francisco GSA Building
August 1, 2007
The San Francisco Federal Building was designed by Thom Mayne, principal of Santa Monica-based Morphosis and assisted by The Smith Group in San Francisco. Located on Mission and Seventh Streets in the South of Market neighborhood, the SF Federal Building