At Forum Acusticum / Euronoise 2025 in Málaga, Rainer Machner presented a study that blends technical rigour with practical application. Together with Holger Brokmann and Dr. Achim Klein from Saint-Gobain Ecophon, he explored how the simplified ISO 3382-3 prediction model can support faster and more user-focused acoustic design in open-plan offices. Traditionally, ISO 3382-3 is […]
standards
From RT to Clarity. A Simpler Way to Assess Classroom Speech Intelligibility
Guest post by Deniss Mironovs, acoustic consultant at Akukon / Researcher at RTU / PhD Introduction Speech Intelligibility is one of the main attributes of a well-functioning classroom or auditorium. It is widely known, that learning outcomes depend on the acoustical conditions of the classrooms. Common practice is to use reverberation time RT as a […]
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 […]
The Impact of Noise on the Learning of Children and Adolescents
Recent research published by Universitat Rovira i Virgili [1] presents a meta-analysis reviewing the impact of noise on the academic and cognitive performance of non-university students. This meta-analysis compiles the most important and significant findings from numerous research studies conducted worldwide and confirms what much of the educational community and many parents had suspected: noise […]
New Aural Diversity toolkit helping designers create more inclusive spaces
Aural Diversity Toolkit Arup and the Aural Diversity Network have developed a toolkit to help designers create spaces and environments that meet the needs of everyone. This toolkit addresses the broader needs of those with aural sensitivities and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations, further research and other relevant aspects to consider to better inform […]
Autistic Students’ Sensitivity to Classroom Noise: Implications for Acoustic Design (and the) Impact of classroom noise on autistic students
This study is by Marco Caniato (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano and University of Applied Science HFT of Stuttgart), Federica Bettarello (University of Trieste), Arianna Marzi (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano) and Andrea Gasparella (Free University of Bozen-Bolzano) Inclusion of Additional Support Needs (ASN) sensitivities Students on the autism spectrum often experience heightened sensitivity to environmental sounds, which […]
From Theory to Reality : Assessing Predictive Models for Reverberation Time in Built Environments
Guest post by Marco Caniato University of Applied Science HFT of Stuttgart, based on his recent presentation at Forum Acousticum / Euronoise 2025 conference in Málaga. Background Reverberation time (RT) is a fundamental parameter in room acoustics, directly affecting speech intelligibility, comfort, and the overall acoustic quality of a space. Yet, despite decades of research […]
Remodelling of open plan De Werkplaats primary school – acoustic design and operational challenges
Introduction De Werkplaats in Bilthoven, (NL) inspired by Kees Boeke’s educational philosophy, was designed as a progressive primary school with open learning environments. The aim: to stimulate collaboration, autonomy and inclusivity. In practice, however, the open spaces proved to pose considerable acoustic and organisational challenges. This led to a large-scale remodel, during which objective and […]
After a full 50 years, Slovakia has a new acoustic standard!
Slovakia has a new STN 73 0527 acoustic standard that can finally improve conditions in schools! The new updated STN 73 0527 acoustic standard deals with room acoustics. In schools, universities, and spaces used for cultural, sports, social and public purposes. It aims at ensuring better quality and healthier acoustic conditions. New acoustic standard highlights […]
Classrooms beyond the minimum acoustic standard found to significantly reduce school noise and disturbance
According to the study, additional sound absorbing materials – e.g. acoustic panels, carpets and soft furniture – play a significant role in creating calm and pleasant learning environments. In a study published in 2023 by Turku University of Applied Sciences. It was found that the noise generated in the school environment from the activities of the […]
