Burfoot, M; GhaffarianHoseini, A; Ghaffarianhoseini, A and Naismith, N (2024) Passive variable acoustic technology for classroom reverberation time: A case study. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 13(6), pp. 1450-1472. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
Purpose: To maximise acoustic comfort in a classroom, the acoustic conditions of the space should be variable. So, the optimal acoustic state also changes when the classroom changes from a study environment into a lecture environment. Passive Variable Acoustic Technology (PVAT) alters a room's Reverberation Time (RT) by changing the total sound absorption in a room. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the improvements to classroom acoustic comfort when using PVAT. Design/methodology/approach: The study is conducted in an existing tertiary classroom at Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand. The PVAT is prototyped, and the RTs are measured according to international standards before and after classroom installation. The acoustic measurement method used is a cost-effective application tool where pre- and post-conditions are of primary concern. Findings: PVAT is found to offer statistically significant improvements in RT, but the key benefits are realised in its' ability to vary RT for different classroom situations. It is predicted that the RT recommendations for two room types outlined in the acoustic standard AS/NZS 2107:2016 are satisfied when using PVAT in a single classroom space. By optimising RT, the acoustic comfort during both study and lecture is significantly improved. Originality/value: When PVAT is combined with an intelligent system – Intelligent Passive Room Acoustic Technology (IPRAT) – it can detect sound waves in real time to identify the optimal RT. This paper details a pilot case study that works towards quantifying the benefits of IPRAT, by prototyping and testing the PVAT component of the system. Highlights: A pilot case study outlines the development and test of a variable acoustic prototype in a tertiary classroom A method is adopted to measure acoustic conditions, using three under-researched Android applications The benefits of PVAT are realised in its ability to vary RT by adjusting the prototypes' sound absorption By using PVAT in a single space, the recommended RTs for two room types outlined in the acoustic standard AS/NZS 2107:2016 can be satisfied The improvements in acoustic comfort due to PVAT are statistically significant
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | acoustic comfort; classroom acoustics; classroom comfort; intelligent acoustics; passive acoustic technology; variable acoustics |
| Index terms: | testing, real time, comfort, intelligent system, case study, New Zealand, measurement method, methodology, classroom, prototyping, prototype, tertiary |
| Subjects: | automation and robotics, Geography, research methods, innovation and technology management, professional practice, curriculum development, construction type, occupational health and safety management, project controls, financial and cost management, modelling and simulation, data collection methods |
| Topics: | Health and Safety, Geographical Context, Engineering Principles, Education, Construction Technology, Cost Management, Research Practice, Time Control, Digital Applications |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
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