In March this year, Ecophon organised a case study visit to the recently opened New Line Learning Academy, Maidstone, Kent UK. Far removed from the traditional designs often seen in the UK’s school estate, NLL is 9,463 sqm (GIA), and is designed to accommodate 1110 pupils. The concept for the building was provided by forward […]
Noise Action Week 2011 – focus on noise and schools
Noise Action Week 2011 takes place from 23-27 May and will focus on noise and schools — the importance of a healthy noise environment for children and teachers — and noise in our gardens and open spaces. Noise Action Week, an annual event coordinated by national charity Environmental Protection UK, inspires communities and organisations around […]
Behavioural change for birds when exposed to more noise……
Image: clickgamer.com Well instead of becoming “angry birds!” A recent study shows that noise changes the way birds communicate much like the way we might behave when in a school canteen according to review of research carried out on Finches in Mexico City House Finches Raise the Pitch When It’s Noisy Picture yourself in your […]
Acoustic focus at UK schools conference
At the recent Building Schools Exhibition and Conference (BSEC11) in the UK, Shane Cryer the Education Concept Developer with Saint-Gobain Ecophon (pictured above) was invited along with Alan Knibb, Asset Manager with Essex Council (pictured in entry below) to discuss the benefits of good acoustics in schools. More about LGN emagazine More about BSEC
Teachers unaware of effect of poor classroom acoustics on learning
According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) – teachers are generally unaware of the efffects that poor classroom acoustics have on learning. Most teachers are unaware that the typical classroom may not be providing the best environment for listening and learning due to poor acoustic characteristics. Important information may be lost because a deteriorated or […]
IOA fights to save schools’ acoustic standards
Professor Trevor Cox – IOA President The Institute of Acoustics is warning that education standards in schools could plummet if the Government drops or waters down vital design standards contained in the Building Regulations. Trevor makes his points on behalf of the IOA regarding the importance of minimum acoustic design standards which need to be […]
Groundbreaking School Acoustic Design Symposium
“The School Acoustic Design Symposium” at Westminster, London on Tuesday 7th December, was chaired by Peter Rogers of Cole Jarman and brought together some of the UK’s leading architects and acousticians in the field of education design. As sponsor of this unique event, we are pleased to provide you with the presentations from the audiologist, […]
In search of the sound of silence…….
We all have a responsibility for reducing our carbon footprints…..but how about taking responsibility for our noise footprints. The BBC discuss if modern life is too noisy with poet Ian McMillan, who thinks we should all be worrying about reducing our noise footprints. Click here for more info See some very positive sound footprint examples […]
Improved working environment in school sports hall
Åke Grundberg, a physical education teacher at Hagaskolan school in Sundsvall, Sweden, is happy that he is no longer forced to constantly raise his voice, as acoustics are improved in the school’s sports hall. Click here to read the entire article (pdf-file) This article has previously been published in ‘ECO – For Sustainable Design’ magazine. […]
Integrated acoustic design in remodelled schools
This week there was the Remodelling Education Conference in Manchester, UK Attending the conference this week, it was good to hear acoustic issues coming to the fore many times over the 2 days which were also fully explored during the workshop discussion “Integrated acoustic design in remodelled schools” Susan Witterick, principal acoustic consultant with Capita […]
