Teleconferencing
September 1, 2004
It’s time to re-visit the issues of acoustics for conference rooms. We are getting a number of phone calls from clients looking for help with the quality of their conference calls. Problems are in one of two areas: it is
Laminated Glass on Steroids
June 1, 2004
Sekisui, a Japanese firm, has come up with a new way to improve the acoustical performance of laminated glass which is often used to reduce noise transfer from space to space when vision is desired. The inner layer of the
Way to Go Team – Cesar E. Chavez Education Center Wins!
June 1, 2004
And the “Savings By Design Energy Efficiency Integration Award” goes to: Cesar E. Chavez Education Center, Oakland, California Architect: VBN Architects Electrical Engineering: Pete O. Lapid & Associates, Inc. Mechanical Engineering: Raymond Brooks Engineers, Inc. Acoustical Engineering: Thorburn Associates Inc.
Historical Temple Goes Retail
May 1, 2004
When built in 1912, the Moorish-style Medinah Temple was a meeting place for the Shrine of North America. After a 21st century, multi-million dollar restoration and renovation, the historic building at 600 N. Wabash Ave., in Chicago’s River North area,
Restaurant Acoustics
May 1, 2004
During the last 20 years we have seen a number of different acoustical issues in retail / shopping areas – everything from blender noise for a juice bar at a now defunct Mexican restaurant chain prototype, to a restaurant so
Retail Audio
May 1, 2004
Have you ever noticed the plasma screens and TV monitors greeting you when you are shopping in your local Bloomingdale’s or Eddie Bauer? Have you heard the dance-club-like sound systems in the Junior’s departments at Macy’s or in Old Navy?
Sound Control by PAC International Inc.
April 1, 2004
A product that competes with Resilient Channels is the Resilient Sound Isolation Clip (RSIC) available from PAC International. Inc. The RSIC-1 clip combined with a 7/8-inch furring channel can achieve sound transmission class (STC) ratings of 62 in wall assemblies
Restoration of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception
April 1, 2004
In response to the needs of the expanding Catholic Diocese of Memphis, Tennessee, Williamson Pounders Architects (WPA) also of Memphis, selected Thorburn Associates to assist with the acoustical and audio system design for the restoration of the Cathedral of the
Resilient Channels
April 1, 2004
Acoustical Consultants often specify resilient channels to improve the sound isolation of a construction assembly. Sound isolation is the amount of noise the wall or floor/ceiling reduces. Resilient channels are installed perpendicular to the stud or joist. This reduces the
Blast Berms for the Space Shuttle Launch Pad
March 1, 2004
We are often asked what type of acoustics we specialize in. Our response: “Everything – The field of acoustics is so specialized we cannot afford to focus on one type of building. The only type of structures we have not

