For most people, how a building looks is very important. That’s why a great deal of time and effort is put into choosing the right design, as well as the right furnishings and colours. However, any experienced architect or engineer will tell you that a building’s appearance is not the only important consideration. Architectural acoustics are important as well and should be considered during the construction phase.

What Are Architectural Acoustics?

Also known as building or room acoustics, architectural acoustics is defined as the science of achieving a good sound within a building. A branch of acoustical engineering, architectural acoustics are used to achieve good speech intelligibility in theatres, restaurants and railway stations, as well as to improve the quality of music and sounds in concert halls and recording studios.

Apart from enhancing sounds, building acoustics can also be utilised to help suppress noise and sound. This is particularly useful in office buildings as it helps prevent workers from being distracted by loud sounds, and in homes to make them a quiet, comfortable, and pleasant place to be in.

Why Are Building Acoustics Important?

Building acoustics can have a significant impact on the health, communication, and productivity of the people who will use the structure being built. For example, it will be more stressful for teachers if their classrooms are ill-designed and their students are unable to hear them properly. Labourers, meanwhile, are at a bigger risk of losing their hearing if they continue to work in industrial spaces where too much noise is present.

If you’re building a structure where architectural acoustics will be important, get in touch with your local acoustical consultant – Harwood Acoustics. We have over 15 years of experience and cover all areas of the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands.