At BNAM 2026 – “Room Acoustics – Offices, Hospitals, Schools, Restaurants” Oliver Bonde’s presentation “Acoustical Capacity for Group Work in University Classrooms” was first up in the session named “Room Acoustics – Offices, Hospitals, School, Restaurants”, chaired by Peter Svensson and Ayca Sentop Dumen. Background and based on Rindel’s eating establishments As Oliver explained, the […]
Lombard effect
Classroom Noise: How Activities Shape the Sound Environment
A guest post by Chiara Visentin, a researcher at the University of Ferrara, Italy Background While noise sources like traffic or ventilation systems can contribute to classroom acoustics, in primary schools the dominant and most persistent sound is the students’ own activity and communication. Talking, moving, shifting chairs and desks all contribute to a highly dynamic […]
Restaurants get louder—here’s how good acoustics and table spacing can break the cycle
In hospitality spaces such as restaurants, hotel lobbies, and cafés, escalating noise is more than just a nuisance—it’s a scientifically recognized phenomenon with measurable impacts on both guest experience and business outcomes. This is largely driven by the Lombard effect, a reflexive human response where people raise their voices in noisy environments to be heard. […]
