Acoustics Matters: Sound Design in Learning Spaces

This panel discussion features industry thought leaders on acoustics and architecture with expertise in educational environments.  The panelists will explore the impact of acoustics in learning spaces, while connecting the past, present, and future of architectural acoustic design with various pedagogical models. During the panel discussion, we will review history related to the importance of acoustics in the classroom and the effects of noise on academic performance, stress on educators, and student behavior.  The ANSI/ASA S12.60 acoustic design standard, first published in 2002, will be presented as a significant first step to address the many acoustical challenges in schools, including room acoustic design, exterior noise intrusion, sound transmission between spaces, and HVAC noise.

We will focus on the changing nature of the educational environment and the shift away from the traditional “sage on the stage” pedagogical model.  In recent years, there has been a growing trend toward flexible learning spaces to support collaborative learning and multimedia presentation, which can impact spatial and acoustical design needs.  Since the COVID pandemic and the rapid adoption of virtual and hybrid learning schemes, the importance of acoustic design to support an array of programs continues to grow.

With these evolving educational models and changing design directives, our panel will examine paths to solutions, with project examples and firsthand accounts. We will discuss important spatial and acoustic design considerations, best practices, programmatic and planning exercises, designing for flexibility and future unknowns, and how to achieve key design directives with budget in mind.

Our panelists will look forward to the future, anticipating new and developing educational trends and potential ramifications on architecture and acoustic design. We will explore updates to acoustic design standards and the incorporation of acoustic design criteria for classrooms and learning spaces into other, broader design standards, such as WELL, LEED, and ASHRAE.

Panelists:
Heidi Costello, IIDA, CID, LEED AP ID+C, Perkins&Will – Associate Principal, Higher Education, Minneapolis
David Ottavio, KPF, Director, Education
Ben Markham, LEED AP, Acentech – Principal Consultant & Director, Architectural Acoustics Group
Ethan Bourdeau, International WELL Building Institute – Senior Associate, Standard Development, Sound Concept Lead