Acoustics are top of the class after triple awards win

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The importance of classroom acoustics in the UK, has been underlined after three schools were recognised at the BCSE Best of British Schools Awards (Thursday 21 June).
Architects Walters and Cohen triumphed in the New Build Primary School category being crowned winners for both Hylands Primary School and Elm Park Primary School, while also securing a win in the Large Projects category for Colston Girls School in Bristol.

Watch Shane catching up with Michal at the awards and asks how she feels about winning the awards. BCSE award winner Michal Cohen and AJ Woman Architect of the Year 2012 and her passion for acoustics.


The awards, in their fifth year, focus on excellence in design for teaching and learning, in which acoustics play a huge part. Their aim is to celebrate pride in British schools, highlight elements of design that work well and promote excellence in education facilities in all schools.
Michal Cohen from architects, Walters and Cohen is staunch in her support of ensuring schools are fit for purpose when it comes to the right acoustic environment: “We’re absolutely delighted to have won, it’s a dream come true. In my view, acoustics are a fundamental part of the design process as we are looking to push the boundaries of innovation when it comes to school design. We want to make spaces work really hard and with a number of different uses in each, the only way this can work is if the acoustics are right throughout.”
Shane Cryer, concept developer for education at Ecophon, said: “We are thrilled for Walters and Cohen and to have been part of the team that worked on the design of all three schools. It is clear that Walters and Cohen are passionate about ensuring the school acoustic environment is considered from the outset.
The fact that these three schools have been acknowledged as part of an awards programme that focuses on excellence in educational design, is a strong illustration of the importance of good acoustics and speech intelligibility, to ensure they are creating the most learning-conducive classrooms possible.”
For more info regarding thease awards and the BCSE click here