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most disturbed their learning, 77% said noise; an American study found for every 10dB increase in noise pollution, eight to nine year-old students performed 5.5 points lower on their National Standardised test; 50% of teachers suffer irreversible vocal damage from talking loudly to make themselves heard; another study of 21,000 students showed those with greater access to natural light had 26% higher reading levels and 20% higher maths results. The Lombard Effect or Lombard Reflex is a common phenomenon which often occurs in noisy spaces with poor sound control, which is an involuntary tendency of speakers to increase their vocal effort to enhance the audibility of their voice. It has a negative influence on the physiological and psychological wellbeing of students and teachers.
The challenge of different spaces within schools
In addition to classrooms, a modern school is likely to encompass a library, offices, spaces for performance and social assembly, sport and recreation, kitchens, a dining hall, hallways for multifunctional breakout spaces and perhaps even a swimming pool – all within one site.
Controlling acoustics in each of these areas takes expertise and provides an opportunity to embrace specialist systems and technology. The right acoustic ceiling and wall solution can go a long way to alleviate the negative impacts of unwanted noise and help create the perfect setting for successful communication, concentration and learning.
Technical & sustainability advice Look for a manufacturer with the technical expertise, experience and range of specialist acoustic ceiling and wall systems that can solve the challenges within these multifaceted spaces. Having one provider for complex projects means one point of contact for technical and sustainability advice.
Whether your aim is to achieve credits or points for the BREEAM, LEED or WELL Building Standard voluntary rating schemes, or looking for a supplier committed to a more sustainable future via Cradle-to-Cradle Certification, your chosen manufacturer should help navigate your options. They should also offer a free sample service and online resources including sound calculations, product sustainability certifications, instruction videos, and a comprehensive BIM library.
ADF JUNE 2022
Solutions that sound & look good White wall-to-wall suspended ceilings have been the go-to option for schools for over 50 years and today remain cost-effective, practical and functional. But there are plenty of alternatives.
Designers have a powerful tool in applying colour and colour psychology in school situations to support a child’s development. Established research suggests that each colour can influence us on all levels; physical, cognitive and emotional. Greens are relaxing, blues encourage us to think outside the box and be creative, yellows are uplifting and so on. Acoustic ceiling systems are now available in a wide variety of colours.
Acoustic islands or baffles are sometimes preferred to a traditional suspended ceiling. A wide range of versatile acoustic baffles are available in many formats and can be installed in a number of ways, including fixed directly to the soffit. Elegant, frameless islands are another popular option. Hung from wires, appearing to float, they are also available in many shapes and colours. Sports halls make particular demands
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