A growing number of designers are paying close attention to the acoustic properties of buildings, according to a BBC Future report.
With studies indicating that noisy work and home settings are linked to depression, anxiety, and reduced performance, architects are recognizing that buildings not only need to be functional and aesthetically pleasing, but also acoustically satisfying.
Up to now, mainstream architecture typically focused on a building’s acoustic properties only in the construction of concert halls and performance spaces.
New virtual reality systems using acoustic modeling software enable architects to listen to how the spaces they design might sound like through aural simulations of structures. One researcher is studying spaces with exemplary acoustic qualities to create an algorithm or a computational routine that architects can use when designing buildings.
It may be possible for structures to cancel out noise by exploiting the physics of sound interference. A sound wave at the right frequency and wavelength can counteract the sound waves of unwanted noises.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
USGBC receives funding for LEED for Cities and Communities Program
Bank of America provides $500,000 grant to certify 15 U.S. cities.
Codes and Standards | May 24, 2019
AIA updates Interiors Contract Documents
Six revised documents available for interior construction projects.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Northern California casino offers a template for resilient microgrids
Solar power with batteries and backup generators provide weeks of self-reliance.
Codes and Standards | May 23, 2019
Austin creates innovative plan to boost affordable housing
Approach includes loosened zoning, incentives for higher density in lower-cost and mixed-income developments.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2019
Effort launched to develop better process for zero-carbon retrofits in multifamily sector
Rocky Mountain Institute, Dept. of Energy, California Energy Commission join forces.
Codes and Standards | May 20, 2019
Property lenders shouldn’t invest for 30 years in most of Florida, expert warns
Climate ignorance driving some ‘insane’ deals.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2019
NIMBYism is the biggest multifamily construction barrier
National Apartment Assn. report assesses reasons for difficulty in creating more apartments.
Codes and Standards | May 17, 2019
Dept. of Energy to award up to $33.5 million for advanced construction R&D
Focus is on techniques to reduce energy bills.
Codes and Standards | May 16, 2019
Mixed reviews on targeted tax break for San Francisco neighborhood
“Twitter tax break” may have worsened some of the area’s problems.
Codes and Standards | May 15, 2019
OSHA inspections to increase, says Secretary of Labor
Newly hired inspectors getting up to speed.
