The Architecture of Sound Acoustic Design For Buildings

This book highlights the range of issues involved in designing interior spaces for acoustics—that is, ensuring that the sound of a space matches its function. The book presents the principles of acoustic design, together with practical advice on how to apply those principles. The fundamental elements of background sound, intruding sound, sound quality, and speech intelligibility are each described, with design goals, calculation procedures, and advice on implementation. Contemporary challenges associated with integrating acoustics and sustainable building design are also covered. Finally, two types of space—school classrooms and hospital wards—are considered in detail, as examples.

1 Introduction.- 2 Backgroud sound.- 3  Intruding sound – airborne.- 4 Intruding sound – structure-borne.- 5 Sound quality.- 6 Speech intelligibility.- 7 Acoustics and sustainable design.- 8 Case study: classrooms.- 9 Case study: hospital wards.

Dr. Rob Bullen has over 40 years’ experience in acoustic design as a consultant, including design for numerous buildings, as well as internationally recognized research into noise impact assessment. He has published over 20 articles in refereed journals, receiving over 350 citations, and has developed commercial software for simulation of room acoustics and for monitoring of noise. He currently lectures in acoustics for architecture students at the University of Technology, Sydney; Sydney University; and a number of other universities.