Schools, colleges and universities are acoustically very demanding environments and strict standards have to be met under Building Regulations.
Expertise
Because of our expertise in this field, we have worked extensively for the Department for Education and Skills, advising on criteria and drafting large sections of the DfES Building Bulletin 93 “Acoustic Design of Schools” (BB93). First published in 2003, a revised version was issued in December 2014. This sets the acoustic standards for schools and includes detailed guidance on :
- Noise from road traffic and other external sources
- Noise and vibration from plant and other equipment
- Airborne and impact noise transmission between rooms
- Room acoustics of all teaching areas
- Design of rooms for music, drama and dance
- Assembly halls and open-plan spaces
- Electroacoustic “soundfield” systems
Experience
We have considerable experience in the practical side of building acoustics for educational premises and in the architectural interpretation of complex acoustic requirements. Current and recent projects include over 300 primary and secondary schools, specialist music and drama teaching facilities, recording studios, assembly halls, sports halls and multi-use halls for music, drama and assemblies. Further Education projects include performing arts centres, science and engineering facilities, temporary recording studios and low-cost research and development centres. Projects range in size from individual school extensions to multi-million pound, multi-school PFI schemes.
Building Bulletin 93
The most recent version of BB93 was published in December 2014 and is available for download from the gov.uk website
Projects
