Project Profile: San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church Recreation Center
July 20, 2017
San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church Recreation Center (ARC) has been a long time coming. What was anticipated to be a simple addition to the San Ramon Valley Institution, founded in the late 1940’s, when the valley was all ranch
HCAHPS Survey and Acoustics
September 23, 2016
The main goal of healthcare is to promote healing and recovery for patients. Recent studies have found that a poor acoustic environment can drastically affect the recovery of patients. However, on the most recent HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare
Facility Guidelines Institute Recognizes Importance of Acoustics to Patient Well-being
September 8, 2016
According to recent research, a poor acoustic environment can negatively affect a patient’s health and recovery. The Facility Guidelines Institute (FGI) Guidelines for Design and Construction is a document that architects, consultants, and engineers refer to when designing outpatient facilities
Hospitals and Acoustics
September 1, 2016
When it comes to the acoustical concerns in hospitals speech privacy is often at the top of the list. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), requires that patient information cannot be disclosed without consent. This includes verbal consultations with
Using Cell Phones to Make Noise Measurements
June 1, 2014
Twice in the last month, we have heard “I just used my cell phone to make noise measurements so you do not need to make measurements.” Mobile phone sound meter applications have added a new twist to our consulting services.
PEX Plumbing – Is it as Quiet as They Say?
January 15, 2014
Flexible water lines, to some the greatest thing since “Romex” wire for houses. No longer does a person need to fight with rigid pipe when they are plumbing a residence. The product has been around for many years in Europe,
Too Much Lot Line Noise
January 15, 2014
As winter turns to spring people start talking to their architect or landscape designer about a new hot tub or pool, or perhaps it’s a new air conditioner or even an emergency generator. Soon we will start to get phone
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
Focus on Acoustics-Spray Foam Insulation
August 11, 2011
Spray foam insulation, because of its high recycled content and superior insulating qualities over loose fitting batt insulation, is being used with increasing frequency. It is even more common when a project is seeking to meet objectives outlined by sustainable
Focus on Acoustics: LEED for Healthcare – Acknowledging Acoustics in Healing
December 1, 2010
Anyone who has been to a hospital recovery room, whether as a patient or as a visitor, knows firsthand that the environment can be anything but calm and soothing. Echoes of staff and guests moving around and talking reverberate through