Requirement of acoustical engineering discipline in building designs

Abstract

While assurance of professional design and commitment for field review from all engineering disciplines and an architect is required, acoustical review is not mandated by legislations or By-laws. Although sound control review requirement is mandated by most By-Laws, this is at an architect’s discretion to decide whether retaining an acoustical engineer for a sound control review for a project is required or not. Architects, even those focused on sustainable and human-centered design have often overlooked acoustical quality as a design goal. The launch of programs like the “WELL Building Standard” which includes several features related to acoustics, and addition of the “acoustic performance credit to LEED v4” are signs that the green building industry is starting to promote acoustic performance an integral component of sustainable design. Though architects are more aware of the importance of acoustics, achieving good acoustic performance is still overlooked. Once acoustical compliance letter is mandated during building permit, the importance of acoustics in building designs will be recognized.