Improving acoustic conditions in sports halls is an aim for many teachers and pupils. As we speak, Dutch television channels and news websites are paying a lot of attention to the topic. Click here for the video (in dutch language, scroll to 07:15 min.) Already back in 2008 Dutch teachers sued their employers and got […]
Education
New thesis! Room acoustics and cognitive load when listening to speech
Robert Ljung (Luleå University of Technology in Sweden/University of Gävle) just concluded his doctoral thesis on room acoustics and cognitive load. The basic hypothesis for the whole project was that listening to speech in a bad acoustic environment should increase the cognitive load for the listener, which should impair memory of the text. Memory functions […]
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 […]
It’s ok for kids to fully enjoy themselves – outdoors, at least!
According to the German noise law, in future it will be possible to set up kindergartens and playgrounds in residential areas without special permission. Photograph: Alamy “The noise children make does not have a damaging effect on the environment and neither is it something from which citizens need to be protected by the law,” said […]
Dr. Maria Klatte – focusing on specific needs for young listeners
Dr. Maria Klatte had a lecture named “Effects of classroom acoustic on performance and well being in elementary school Children: A field Study”. She presented the interesting results and had a great response after her lecture. Holger Brokmann took the chance to talk with her about the results and the importance of acoustic treatments in […]
INTERVIEW WITH ANNA PREIS
An interview with prof. Anna Preis, Departament of Environmental Acoustics, Institute of Acoustics, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland. You presented at Internoise 2010 a paper entitled “Speech intelligibility as an annoyance index”. What’s the reason of such idea? – Noise annoyance is very subjective matter and individual estimations can vary a lot depending on […]
Updated standard for Kindergartens in Germany
The 2009 Revision of the so called “Unfallverhütungsvorschrift Kindertageseinrichtungen” (GUV-V S2) includes a new paragraph regarding building and room acoustics. Whenever you build or refurbish a Kindergarten the room acoustic is a must have for the first time in Germany. It is no matter if it is a public or private Kindergarten the “Unfallverhütungsvorschrift” is […]
Research shows teachers would prioritise acoustics way above other criteria regarding comfort in the indoor environment
Last year CIOP (Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute) investigated noise problem in public primary schools in Warsaw. The main focus of this survey, initiated by Ministry of National Education, was the noise impact on school staff’s health and well-being. Important part of this research was a survey among teachers checking their […]
World Learning Environments Conference – Acoustics, furniture and flexible spaces
Neil Logue and Emma Greenland In November, groundbreaking new schools in Liverpool UK, hosted the BCSE World Learning Environments Conference which was organised by the British Council for School Environments. One of the breakout sessions was Acoustics, furniture and flexible spaces where Emma Greenland of WSP Group and Neil Logue, Managing Director of Kilworth Studio […]
