Focus on Technology: Overhead Microphone Systems
December 1, 2009
Your ears are really good acoustical measurement tools. Sit in a space alone sometime, clear your mind, and see how many different sounds you can identify. Very often, you will be able to pick out five or six sounds and
Focus on Acoustics: Containing Fan and Duct Noise
December 1, 2009
During a recent tour of an existing campus, we were shown a classroom that was in the process of having a complete, bells-and-whistles audiovisual package installed to support a distance learning program. However, our project meeting quickly took an unscheduled
Product Review: Fabric Duct
October 1, 2009
Fabric duct products, such as DuctSox, are often specified nowadays as a lower cost alternative to traditional metal ductwork for large spaces – such as gymnasiums, cafeterias, and convention halls – where large volumes of air need to be evenly
Focus on Acoustics: LEED Conflicts – The Impact Synergies Have on Good Design Practices and Acoustics
October 1, 2009
Sustainable design and LEED requirements are transforming the building industry. But like any shift in practice, there’s a domino effect. A number of sustainable design options that earn a building IEQ credits (indoor environmental quality) in some respects are at
Product Review: Pyrok
August 1, 2009
What does the abbreviation “NRC” mean to you? To acousticians it usually means Noise Reduction Coefficient, a single number rating for the absorptive characteristics of a specific material AND mounting condition at four frequencies within the range of speech. It
Focus on Acoustics: Ceiling Treatments
August 1, 2009
Note: TA provided this article for the August 2009 issue of Buildings. Good acoustical design is an integral part of making a space fulfill its purpose. Whether we’re looking at retail space, a restaurant, open-plan offices, a videoconference room, a
Project Highlight: National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters
June 1, 2009
One of the top challenges at the new 237,000 sq. ft. North Carolina National Guard headquarters was to create infrastructure that would facilitate the real-time efforts of multiple agencies housed in the building – supporting their everyday work as well
Project Highlight: De Anza College Performing Arts Center
April 1, 2009
The new De Anza College Visual and Performing Arts Center in Cupertino, California held its grand opening March 6-8. The 20,500 square foot building on Stevens Creek Boulevard is a unique resource for the arts in Silicon Valley and was
Focus on Acoustics: Hear and Be Heard – The Case for Acoustics in Themed Entertainment
April 1, 2009
Just as they are for conference rooms, auditoriums and commercial spaces, acoustical considerations are integral to the design of family entertainment centers, themed restaurants, theme parks, water parks, museums and other visitor attractions. (We call it Acoustically Integrated aRchitecture, or
Product Reviews: The Thorburn Office Experience
April 1, 2009
The new equipment and infrastructure helps make Thorburn Associates’ new North Carolina offices a pleasant, modern, functional space and an exemplary, working model of an open-plan office, featuring an exposed ceiling grid and first-rate acoustics. The office design is in