WHAT IS ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTICS?

Building with architectural acoustics incorporates the process of building a structure in such a way that the sound and acoustics of the structure can be maximised. It involves building the structure so that soundwaves can be harnessed and reverberate correctly off the interior walls to create the clearest and amplified sound, while also controlling the sound to a lower, more dampened reverberation, in other areas of the building.

Considerations for architectural acoustics are important in places like museums and libraries, or even casinos and concert halls.

Bearing this in mind, it is helpful to rather build the correct acoustics for a room from the start, than the expense of converting it once built, into a more pleasing sound environment.

Factors to Consider

Several factors are taken into account with architectural acoustics, including the geometry of the room and the materials from which the structure will be built, as different materials absorb or deflect sound differently. Mechanical parts in the room will also be considered as their own vibration will affect the sound in the room.

When constructing the room, it is important to bear in mind that softer surfaces such as carpets, foam padding, and fibreglass insulation, will all absorb the sound well, while harder surfaces such as wood will reflect the sound around the room.

Benefits of Considering Architectural Acoustics

Loud, sharp, and unpleasant noises can have a detrimental effect on a person’s overall health and mental wellbeing, while the converse is also true, where pleasant, clear, and softer sounds can have the effect of improving a person’s wellbeing.

Over and above this, there are several other benefits to putting thought into the architectural acoustics of the room from the start. Good acoustics can have a positive impact on us in many ways, by reducing anxiety and stress, assisting with concentration, preserving hearing, improving spoken communication, minimising hypertension, and maximising the enjoyment of a particular sound display.

Getting the architecture right for a particular building can make all the difference to the experience of the sound. Contact Acoustech today for a quotation.

 

What is a Noise Impact Assessment?

Noise Impact Assessments are assessments that are done to determine the noise impact that a particular activity will have on the existing area. A noise impact assessment can be required for many activities. The most common activity is building construction, where the noise may have quite a large impact on the surrounding area and the people within it.

How is a Noise Impact Assessment Done?

Several regulations have been published in South Africa which compel those erecting industrial sites or construction to submit a noise impact assessment.

The first step in obtaining this assessment, as prescribed by the regulations, will be to first conduct an assessment of the sensitivity of the land. A specialist will conduct the assessment of the land in full, where after the impact statement will be compiled, and submitted, together with supporting documents, to the relevant authorities.

The consequences of not adhering to this requirement are severe and include fines, suspension of building activities, various impacts on one’s reputation, but also the potential negative effect it may have on the health and wellbeing of people in the community.

What will the Noise Impact Assessment Include?

The report must reflect those aspects as are set out in the law, for the report to be compliant. To start, and as required, the name and expertise of the person who compiled the report must be presented in the document.

The Noise Impact Assessment will begin with an introduction, setting out the study area and all its relevant components and aspects, and evaluating the typography and the surrounding area. An evaluation will be made of the environmental sound character of the area, considering aspects like the wind, temperature, humidity, etc.

Policies and the legal context of the area will be considered concerning the development, taking into account the relevant laws and by-laws that govern the proposed disruption, as well as any other guidelines in this regard.

The actual potential noise source will too be considered, with all its aspects that will influence the noise levels in the area. Other aspects considered in the assessment are any assumptions or limitations in the area, the projected noise rating levels as well as any other mitigating factors to be taken into account.

To get your project off to a good start, and to avoid any unnecessary noise disputes along the way, contact Acoustech today for an in-depth Noise Impact Assessment.

How Architecture Affects a Building

Architectural acoustics assist in creating the most pleasing sound environment possible. It makes use of the geometry of the room, as well as consideration for the materials used in construction, to produce the best sound outcome.

The sound in the room will interact differently with different surfaces, and this must all be taken into account depending on how a person wishes to use the room to get the best experience of sound from it.

Principles of Architectural Acoustics

Several principles are used in constructing a room to maximise its acoustics, being reverberation, sound absorption, and insulation.

Reverberation relates to the time that sound takes to dissipate in a room. Sound will reflect off surfaces and bounce back into the room, affecting the clarity of the sound, and one’s ability to be able to hear the sound properly.

Some buildings will be better suited to surfaces and architectural acoustic surfaces which allow for high reverberation, like in a concert hall, where it is pleasing for the sound to reflect off the harder surfaces. Other buildings though would be better suited to have low reverberation, such as in lecture halls, where speaking and communication must be heard clearly.

To reduce reverberation, sound absorbing materials are used, incorporating softer, more insulated, and sponge-like surfaces into the construction. The porous nature of these materials will absorb some of the sounds so that it does not starkly reverberate back into the room. It creates a more calm and peaceful environment where some of the sounds are absorbed before it is heard.

Sound insulation in architectural acoustics is another way in which a room can be built to prevent sound from entering or leaving a room. This is done by making sure the surrounding surfaces can absorb some of the sounds, preventing them from escaping entirely. Sealing places where sound can escape is important as sound can escape through areas like air ventilation systems or windows. Making sure that these are sealed correctly goes a long way in ensuring that a room is properly insulated. The type of wall that is used can also contribute to a room’s sound insulation.

Making sure your building is designed and built in the best way to maximise the sound for its purpose is the best way to ensure that the acoustics of your building will be a success.

Contact us today to see how we can help you with any architectural acoustics assistance that you need.

Environmental Noise

Noise in our environment can come from a variety of sources and occurs all the time. Not only can these noises disturb our peace and enjoyment, but they may also affect our mental health and wellbeing.

Noise is generated in our everyday lives, by airplanes, construction, taxis, and traffic, and where most of us can tolerate a large part of it, it can also have the potential to cause much conflict and discomfort as well. Much environmental noise is unavoidable, but it can also be avoided by putting into place mitigation designs that help reduce the noise or its impact.

Environmental acoustics are methods that can be implemented to mitigate environmental noise and its effects on people.

Our Law and Environmental Noise

Many of these mitigation strategies involve the by-laws of a particular area, which give guidance on how to work within its constraints, to make sure that noise does not detrimentally affect a person’s health, wellbeing, and enjoyment of the space around them. Strategies in environmental acoustics are then planned and implemented.

It has been found in our law that there are two types of noise, disturbing noise and noise nuisance. The former is an objective criterion, where the noise is clear to be heard as a disturbance. Noise nuisance on the other hand is a more subjective consideration when assessing noise and its disturbance factor.

In terms of section 25 of the Environment Conservation Act No. 73 of 1989, the Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism can make regulations regarding noise, its reduction, elimination, and prevention. One such set of regulations that guide environmental acoustics is the “National Noise Control Regulations”.

Noise disturbance is defined in this regulation as “any sound which disturbs or impairs or may disturb or impair the convenience or peace of any person”. It also defines disturbing noise as “a noise level that exceeds the ambient sound level measured continuously at the same measuring point by 7 decibels or more.”

Section 5 then provides a list of ways in which disturbing sounds can be created and are prohibited.

It also is within the scope of the by-laws of a particular area that environmental noise must be controlled, for the proper use and enjoyment of all people in the space around them.

For an environmental noise assessment and mitigation design, contact Acoustech today to find out more information about environmental acoustics.