02 What’s In
Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Sounding good: Acoustics in universal design By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications
Each space has unique acoustic properties. Think of a concert hall, for instance. This is a space designed for one specific purpose, where every consideration is made to enhance the acoustic performance of the space. In this context, acoustics is an essential consideration as it affects how successfully the space can fulfil its purpose. The same goes for a cinema, an auditorium, a school hall, as well as many other spaces and their respective purposes. However, the acoustic properties of a space can also be seemingly unrelated to the space’s overall function. This is why acoustic design considerations may sometimes be viewed as optional additions, rather than integral to the way a space facilitates comfort and interaction among its users. Acoustic design can have a significant impact on health, wellbeing, communication and productivity. This has particular consequences in the wider context of universal design. Universal design is the design of buildings, products or environments to make them accessible and usable to all people of different ages and abilities over time, without the need for adaptation or specialised design. Good acoustic design allows the greatest possible number of people to communicate effectively, enabling them to experience the built environment in comfort.
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