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
Focus on Technology: Video over IP
December 1, 2010
Remember when phone calls used to travel over phone lines? The advent of wireless systems, along with Voice over IP (VoIP) technology, is cutting into the traditional telephone market. In 2010, US cable companies are providing VoIP phone service to
Project Profile: NCCU Pearson Cafeteria and Teaching Kitchen
August 1, 2010
The North Carolina Central University (NCCU) Pearson Cafeteria Renovation and Expansion project includes a modern cafeteria with a seating capacity of 1,750 students, dining facilities for staff and various conference rooms. Since the project’s inception in 2003, the project budget
Product Review: RP Visuals ULTRAFLEX Screen
April 1, 2010
We came across a new product from RP Visuals (www.rpvisuals.com) that may be the answer to your screen problems. The bendable ULTRAFLEX projection screen ships in a cylinder as small as 40-inches in diameter. Once on-site, it is unrolled, tensioned
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
Project Profile: Quintiles
August 1, 2009
Quintiles Transnational, which helps pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies develop and market innovative therapies, recently celebrated the grand opening of its new headquarters in Durham, North Carolina. At 252,000 square feet, the new, 10- story, glass-and-concrete structure, with room
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