Case studies of music facilities in schools

Abstract

Case studies of new music facilities in elementary through junior college school levels are presented with a focus on the design process. The study includes issues raised in establishing design criteria with architects and clients; acoustic space planning, organization, and other preliminary design issues; budget, design criterial, and material selection issues; acoustic models and prediction tools; background noise and noise control issues; sound system integration; constructed spaces and follow-up acoustical measurements; and client and user comments regarding the performance of the spaces. Each specific issue is presented within the context of built projects ranging in scope from elementary school practice rooms to a high school auditorium for a magnet performing arts school. The case studies present issues regarding the relationship between established acoustical design criteria, predict tools, architectural integrity, and budgetary constraints as determiners of successful spaces for listening.