Safer Earbuds with Quality Sound
February 1, 2006
If you want quality sound without the old fashioned look of headphones, consider the ER-6 Isolator earbuds. Etymotic Research, Inc., in Elk Grove Village, Illinois has long been in the business of creating compact designs that produce a clear, pure
The Plaza Apartments – Low Income doesn’t mean Low Design Standard
February 1, 2006
The Plaza Apartments, located in San Francisco, CA has sharp lines and a colorful facade that boasts solar panels, recycled building materials, bamboo floors, paneling made with recycled wood products and plenty of natural light and ventilation. Designed by Leddy
Recent Natural Disasters Spark a Renewed Interest in Emergency Generators
February 1, 2006
Hurricanes, earthquakes, tornadoes, blizzards—severe weather can interrupt power service for hours or even days. Without electricity, business usually comes to a complete halt while costs escalate. A reliable power source can keep computers, lights, heating units, pumps, freezers and medical
Lawsuit against Apple’s iPods
February 1, 2006
In a previous blog post, we talked about the dangers of using earbuds to play music at excessive levels. While the article was not specific to Apple’s iPods, it did reference the iPod manual’s warning that hearing loss can occur
Dial It Down – Earbuds Can Cause Hearing Loss
February 1, 2006
Mom was right, again. “Turn down that god awful music,” sound familiar? Nowadays that truism should come with the caveat, “and wear the right earbuds, dear.” We’ve heard for years that when a person is exposed to high sound levels
Deep Freeze – One Way to End Computer Downtime
December 1, 2005
If you are as tired as we are of computer downtime and related technical support costs caused by software conflicts, registry corruption, virus attack, or any other problem, we have a suggestion that may help. In researching products to solve
The San Francisco GSA Federal Building – Green Acoustic Design Considerations
December 1, 2005
Incorporating a modern glass facade, the new GSA Federal Building in San Francisco will be a 600,000 square foot building 240 feet high, 120 feet long, but just 60 feet wide. Among the many green features, this narrow, 18-story glass
Texlon, an Alternative Cladding System
December 1, 2005
One of the most underestimated criteria in people’s perception of their environment is the acoustic ambience. This is true whether the building is a large atrium, a foyer, a hospital, or a restaurant. The internal acoustics of the space has
Tracking Cameras – Push to Talk AND be Seen
December 1, 2005
We see lots of innovative uses of technology but one big area is in Distance Learning applications. Thorburn Associates recently completed a project for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Pharmacy that pushes the envelope for
Conference Highlights: AIA Virginia, Design-Build, IAAPA
December 1, 2005
AIA Virginia: As part of our continuing commitment to support the architectural industry, Thorburn Associates presented a 2-hour session “Understanding Acoustics: What to Look for During a Design and Construction Site Visit” at the 17th annual Architecture Exchange East, held