Acoustic design considerations for vertical education buildings

Abstract

In recent years, the design and construction of vertical (multi-story) education buildings are gaining preference over traditional single storied multi buildings precincts. This change is driven by the need to incorporate modern architectural design features, optimize spatial use, and construct sustainable, energy efficient buildings for education precincts. Vertical education precincts pose multiple acoustic design challenges, including consideration for adequate acoustic separation between noise sensitive adjacencies, noise emissions from rooftop mechanical plant to outdoor learning areas, and the provision of adequate reverberation treatment while aligning with the interior design intent. Also, with the use of cross laminated timber (CLT) gaining in popularity, this presents challenges of its own. This paper discusses typical acoustic design challenges faced while designing vertical education precincts and provides recommendations adopted to resolve each design challenge.