Normally builders, architects, and property owners do not need to worry about acoustics when constructing properties. It is simply not a structural or budgetary consideration. However, there are some properties whose use primarily revolves around the use of sound. For these properties, considering acoustic design engineering is a necessity. Below, see what types of properties are affected by acoustics in this manner and what considerations are needed.
1. Entertainment: Clubs, live performance venues & movie theatres
Some venues are constructed to offer music-based entertainment. Examples include music clubs, movie theatres, and live performance venues. In such properties, it is imperative that the structure allows sound to spread evenly without neglecting any of the areas. It's also important that sound is absorbed once it reaches the walls to avoid echoes or sound reflection which would interfere with the quality of the sound entertainment produced.
2. Sound production: Recording studios, editing studios & sound research labs
Sound production is a delicate process where noise has to be controlled in every aspect required. In properties where sound production is carried out, acoustic knowledge is required in order to ensure there is no noise interference from outside at all. Also, acoustic construction and design will help to ensure that any sound generated inside the property or rooms is captured with clarity without sound ricocheting off the walls, floor or ceiling.
3. Business Meeting rooms & board rooms
Some places of business are used for discussions and important talks. Unlike in offices where it's just a few people involved, meeting rooms and boardrooms hold large numbers of people who may all be conversing at the same time. If you're designing such spaces in your commercial property, acoustic knowledge is needed to ensure (a) that sound does not penetrate the walls for privacy reasons, and (b) that sound is evenly distributed across the room to ensure every member present hears what is being said with clarity.
4. Education: Classrooms, lecture rooms & libraries
Education facilities are also very demanding of acoustic architecture. This is especially so of rooms where students are supposed to be keen listening to a speaker, e.g. classrooms and lecture rooms. In these spaces, acoustic designs can ensure that silence is maintained by cancelling out noise from outside, distributing sound evenly throughout the room, and eliminating sound ricocheting. This will ensure that students don't miss a thing when in session. In libraries, the same is done, only that here, the room is designed to absorb noise, not to distribute it.
5. Public events: Conference halls & convention venues
Another group of properties that need acoustic input are conference and convention venues. These are usually large spaces meant to be filled with lots of people at any one time. Acoustic input here ensures that the interior space allows superior sound dissemination from the stage to the rest of the space. Acoustic products are also used here to help minimise sound reflection in a bid to contain as much noise as possible.
If you're building any of these, talk to acoustical consultants. They can help you make your spaces more effective in regards to sound management as explained in the above sections.