Project Highlight: Kaiser Santa Clara Medical Center
October 1, 2007
The new Kaiser Permanente Hospital and Medical Offices in Santa Clara, CA recently opened on a 52-acre campus. The facility is equipped with leading edge technology yet designed with a warm, inviting environment. The hospital campus is home for a
Helipad Solutions
October 1, 2007
Corporations, television stations, police and firefighters use helipads, even high-end residential estates. The noise from the helicopters as they approach, land, and take off can be extremely disruptive to anyone within earshot. At Thorburn Associates our Engineers can provide 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
Sound Myth-Understandings
February 1, 2007
A myth is a story handed down through history, often orally, that explains the unknown. In some cases, we have heard these myths so often we never question their veracity. The word itself comes from the Greek, “mythos” which meant
The Low-Down on Noise Canceling Headphones
December 1, 2006
In a recent meeting, the gauntlet was tossed to us. I want to get a set of noise canceling headphones for Christmas, what should I ask Santa for? As a leader in helping make things quiet we eagerly took up
Sound Health
April 1, 2006
Music can reduce stress, enhance relaxation, reduce muscle tension, and evoke an emotional response. A fast, upbeat tune gets your pulse racing; a leisurely one can slow down the pace. Hospitals are inevitably places that produce stress. Patients and family
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
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