Acoustics

=**__Acoustics__**=

Speed: the rate of motion, change, or activity. Frequency: the number of periods or regularly occurring events of any given kind in unit of time, usually in one second. The number of cycles or completed alternations per unit time of a wave or oscillation. Wavelength: the distance, measured in the direction of propagation of a wave, between two successive points in the wave that are characterized by the same phase of oscillation. Longitudinal: of or pertaining to longitude or length. Extending in the direction of the length of a thing; running lengthwise. Transverse: lying or extending across or in a cross direction; cross.




 * Reverberance:**

Reverberance is linked to the speed at which sound energy disappears in a room. An unfurnished room with hard surfaces, such as a church, is perceived as being more reverberant than a well-furnished living room.


 * What are room acoustics?**

Room acoustics are about the way in which sound behaves in a room. Sound transmission, sound absorption, sound reflection and sound diffusion are all aspects that are important here. Room acoustics also include how we as humans perceive different acoustic phenomena.The field of building acoustics covers sound insulation too, where the route that the sound takes from the room to other areas is included.


 * Room Acoustic Comfort – a natural part of the indoor environment**

A room and its acoustic quality should be a support for people and the activities in which they are involved. To create the correct acoustic conditions is to create Room Acoustic Comfort. Room acoustic comfort is an important element of the sound environment concept and this, along with light, air and perception of the room, is in turn a natural component of the total indoor environment.


 * What do you as an architect need to consider regarding Room Acoustic Comfort?**

In many environments where people are present and communicate, high sound levels are perceived as one of the most disturbing factors. High noise levels have a negative effect on us and affect health, communication, safety, economy (effectiveness/productivity), learning and general wellbeing. It is therefore important that you as an architect remember that room acoustic comfort does not only involve a certain reverberation time. To reduce sound levels, it is important to consider other descriptors that are directly linked to sound levels, such as Strength (G).


 * What must you as an architect do to achieve Room Acoustic Comfort?**

In many of the commonly occurring types of rooms that we talk about here, a sound-absorbing ceiling is a practical aid for achieving Room Acoustic Comfort™ (RAC™). The ceiling’s sound-absorbing properties are described in sound absorption classes (A-E) in an international standard. Class A is the highest level of sound absorption. The ceiling’s effect on different acoustic descriptors: Reverberation time: The sound-absorbing ceiling will interact with the sound-dispersing (scattering) furnishings in the room. The more sound-dispersing (scattering) objects there are, the greater the benefit of the ceiling. In a sparsely furnished room, the reverberation time can be long as the sound energy lingers between sound-reflecting walls. Sound level: The sound level that is constantly generated in the room will, on the other hand, be effectively dealt with by the ceiling and be less dependent on sound-dispersing (scattering) objects. A sound absorption class A product provides the most effective decrease of the sound level. Speech clarity: Suspended ceilings have a positive effect on speech clarity by reducing the reverberance in the room. A good, effective, sound-absorbing ceiling contributes to a good relation between early and late sound reflections in such a way as to benefit speech clarity.


 * Soundproffing**

If the objective is to stop sound from entering or leaving a space, then you will most likely need sound blocking or soundproofing.


 * Sound Absorption**

If the objective is to enhance the properties of sound by improving speech clarity and sound quality, then the answer is sound absorption or acoustic enhancement.