How acoustic comfort benefits modern pedagogical designs
From the creation of multi-purpose spaces to evolving flexible teaching models, the design of educational environments has evolved significantly and appropriate acoustics are front and centre of the movement.
Education has come a long way from writing on a blackboard being repeated out loud. Thanks to an evolving landscape of education techniques, learning by rote has been replaced by far more collaborative styles in adaptable environments. And the design of learning environments has shifted in-line with this, with effective acoustics at the heart of this modern approach.
Flexible teaching models present acoustic challenges. Open plan learning environments where group work and discussions are encouraged generates more noise and modern classrooms are also more likely to be kitted out with AV technology which could also contribute to noise pollution.
Outside of classrooms, spaces like auditoriums and gymnasiums can provide a particular acoustic challenge as they tend to have hardwood floors or specific sports surfaces where every single sound can be picked up, while high ceilings can be echoey. As these spaces often serve as examination halls too, it’s vital to be able to control noise when required.
Indeed, modern educational facilities often incorporate multi-purpose spaces, from lectures and group discussions to performances and community events. From accommodating small study groups to large assemblies, acoustic solutions must be scalable to maintain comfort regardless of occupancy. A space used for quiet study needs acoustic design that minimises background noise while a performance space requires enhanced sound quality.
Successful teaching and learning is, after all, about communication, which is why controlling noise levels, minimising reverberation and ensuring clarity of speech in any learning space from the classroom to the lecture hall is key. It can influence student engagement, therefore enhancing the learning experience and academic success, as well as contributing to the overall wellbeing of those in education.
On the flip side, noisy learning spaces have the capacity to hinder classroom control, lower pupils’ academic performance, particularly disadvantaged children with special educational needs, as well as damage teachers’ health. The World Health Organisation states that noise in classrooms should not exceed 35 decibels but a study of UK primary schools discovered that the average level was nearly twice that at 65 decibels.
This only increases through what’s known as the ‘Lombard effect’ which occurs as a result of long reverberation times, causing speech to become unintelligible. Speakers therefore raise their voices so they can be heard and this in turn exacerbates the situation and further increases noise levels.
That’s why a good acoustic environment will have shorter reverberation times, which can be achieved through incorporating a variety of sound-absorbing materials from carpets to ceiling acoustics, acoustic tiles and wall panels. In addition, partitions can be an essential part of the acoustics toolkit as they can disrupt sound patterns, which is particularly useful in flexible spaces.
As well as noise from conversations between students and interactions with teaching staff, acoustic design in the education sector needs to consider sounds from HVAC installations, adjacent rooms and corridors and even nearby road traffic or flight paths.
As educational institutions continue to innovate and adapt to new pedagogical models, the role of acoustic comfort in design cannot be underestimated. After all, it’s not just about reducing noise and eliminating distractions and disruptions but creating spaces where education can thrive.
Author: Helen Parton.
Helen is an architecture and interiors journalist with over 15 years’ experience. She edited workplace design magazine OnOffice for three years from 2015-2018, achieving multiple award nominations in national journalism awards. In 2011, she co-authored a book by Thames and Hudson called Total Office Design. She is currently a freelance editorial consultant and event moderator.