Hot topics in architectural acoustics: Practice and research

Abstract

Architectural acoustics is concerned with all aspects of sound in and around buildings. The first part of the talk will address practical and applied topics that include footfall and impact sound isolation (especially floor underlayments), health care facilities (especially MRI noise and vibration control), learning-spaces acoustics (including the recent standard, ANSI S12.60.2002), and health and safety issues of ‘‘acoustical’’ products (including duct lining and flame/toxicity issues for sound-absorptive materials). An overview will also be presented of the National Council of Acoustical Consultants (NCAC) ‘‘Member Forum,’’ which is a members-only on-line forum for discussion and new information, specifically for acoustical consulting. The second part of the talk will focus on current research issues in architectural acoustics worldwide as mirrored by recent conventions, conferences, and meetings, such as the German Acoustical Society (DEGA), the Institute of Acoustics (IoA), and the International Congress on Acoustics (ICA) with special emphasis on auralization and scattering.