A quick guide to Room Acoustic Comfort ™ with our five step approach

Good sound environments can support some of the key learning processes which include communication, pupil co-operation, negotiation and general social competences. The quality of sound can really affect the school outcomes from a pupil and a teacher perspective.

Understanding the users’ approach is key to providing the right teaching and learning environment. Ecophon’s Room Acoustic Comfort tm approach takes a common sense approach to identifying what is important when it comes to understanding sound in educational premises; The relationship between the teacher/pupils, the activity they are doing (teaching/learning style in a classroom) and the space they are in, is fundamental to understand, in order for the appropriate acoustic conditions to be provided.

Optimising Room Acoustic Comfort tm strengthens and supports the key educational relationships;
Physical learning environment
Student engagement in learning
Pedagogical practices

Ecophon has knowledge of and solutions for how to create a good sound environment in schools - knowledge we would like to share to support the whole planning, design and building process to secure better acoustic outcomes for building users and an in built good acoustic legacy for the buildings future use. Acoustic demands and sound requirements are prioritised differently depending on the activity, type of room and the people occupying it. We have created an information package to guide you on the considerations and process towards creating good sound environments.

	Start with how the school staff and students experience and are affected by sound.
	Ask the users what they think about the sound environment and how they would like it to be
	Understand the Educational vision and the way the curriculum should be delivered
	Take care to consider the range of activities and which spaces are appropriate for them. How flexible should the building be. How can careful timetabling of the actvities assist with their management and effectiveness.
	Consider the relevant acoustic parameters which match the sound experience.
	The sound experience is multi-dimensional and quite complex but with additional acoustic parameters it is possible to objectively describe the sound requirements and check that these are fulfilled. See the key acoustic parameters for more information If the sound requirement is a lower level of noise - the auditory strength, G (dB),Auditory strength is a relevant acoustic measurement. If the sound requirement is increased clarity – then STI (Speech Transmission Index) or C50 (dB) is a relevant acoustic measurement. If the sound requirement is decreased sound propagation – then DL2 or DLf (dB) is a relevant acoustic measurement. If the sound requirement is reverberation – the reverberation time, T (sec), is a relevant acoustic measurement.
	When designing the room, consider its shape, volume and the choice of materials which all influence the acoustic comfort.
	The ceiling is the most effective and largest uninterrupted surface for applying absorption
	Make sure others in the planning/design/building process understand the significance of achieving this good sound environment
	This will help to ensure it is delivered in reality and the legacy can be fully appreciated by the future end users.