Focus on Lighting: Taking Control of Architectural Lighting
October 1, 2011
Architectural lighting should be designed to complement your needs and as your needs change throughout the day, your lighting should adapt accordingly. Lighting controls are the answer. Several options are available to help make your environment and your life more
Focus on Acoustics: Mixed Use Buildings
October 1, 2011
Many cities are changing their zoning laws to allow for the development of mixed-use buildings or re-development sites. This means that many planning committees that once favored the suburban planning model of residences in one part of town and business
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: 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
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
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
Focus on Acoustics: High-Rise Buildings
August 1, 2007
Determining proper acoustics for high-rise buildings involves: the intention of the space, speech privacy, background noise and sound masking. The goal is to select acoustical finishes that will meet the visions of the owner and the architect while providing a
Travel Advisory for Sound
October 1, 2006
Sound travels on vibrating air molecules. To reduce the sound that is transmitted from room to room, Acoustical Consultants often specify resilient assemblies. These assemblies are placed inside the wall or ceiling–attached to the building frame–to reduce sound vibrations. There
Acoustics and LEED / Sustainable Building
December 1, 2003
As many of you know, the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Green Building Rating System is a voluntary, consensus-based national standard for developing high-performance, sustainable buildings. It emphasizes state of the art strategies for five broad categories: sustainable