TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES – MANILA

363 Casal St, Quiapo, Manila, 1001 Metro Manila

ACOUSTICS
(Design Principles, Benefits, and Materials)

Mejia, King Kennedy

ARCH 32S3
AR 324 - Building Utilities 3

Ar. Andrew S. De Leon

Acoustics is an essential element in architecture, focusing on the study and manipulation of sound within built
environments. It involves designing spaces that facilitate optimal sound quality for communication, music, and
creating a pleasant listening experience. Architects must consider various factors related to acoustics to ensure
favorable auditory experiences. Poorly designed spaces can result in echoing, reverberation, unwanted noise, and
impaired communication. Well-designed acoustic spaces enhance the experience of music, theatre, or public
speaking, allowing clear communication and enjoyable listening experiences.

Design Principles of Acoustics

Acoustic design is an essential aspect of architecture, focusing on creating spaces with optimal sound quality and
control. The principles of acoustics enhance and manipulate sound within a space, enhancing the comfort and
functionality of occupants.

Sound Isolation:
 Architectural acoustics emphasizes sound isolation to minimize unwanted noise in spaces. Techniques like
insulation, physical barriers, and strategic partition placement are employed to create acoustically separate
areas, ensuring privacy and concentration in environments like offices, hospitals, and schools.
Sound Absorption:
 Excessive reverberation can hinder speech comprehension and enjoyment. Sound absorption is a principle
that manages sound reflections, reducing reverberation and echo. Materials like acoustic tiles, wall panels,
and flooring can control reflections, improving speech intelligibility. Careful design and placement are
essential for achieving the desired level of sound absorption.
Sound Reflection:
 Sound absorption and sound reflection are crucial principles in controlling excessive reflections. Sound
absorption directs sound to specific areas, while sound reflection directs it to enhance clarity and
amplification. In concert halls or auditoriums, reflective surfaces should be strategically placed to ensure
even distribution and minimize dead spots or acoustic shadows.
Diffusion:
 Diffusion is a principle that creates a uniform sound field in a space by scattering sound energy evenly,
minimizing hotspots and enhancing the overall acoustic quality. This technique, combined with materials like
corrugated walls and diffusers, minimizes direct reflections and creates a more balanced experience.
Noise Control:
 Techniques like soundproof windows, thick walls, and insulation are essential in reducing external noise in
the environment. These methods help create a quieter atmosphere, reducing the impact of external noise on
the acoustic environment, particularly in noisy urban areas or busy highways.
 Benefits to Environment

Acoustics plays a vital role in enhancing the quality of our built environment, from concert halls to soundproof office
spaces. It provides benefits to both human experience and the environment, enhancing the overall quality of our built
environment.

Reducing Noise Pollution:

 Architectural design offers primary benefits in reducing noise pollution, a major environmental concern. By
incorporating acoustics, architects can minimize noise transmission from outside sources, creating tranquil
spaces that promote well-being and productivity. Excessive noise pollution can lead to health issues such as
increased stress, sleep disturbances, and reduced cognitive performance.
Noise Reduction:

 Noise reduction is crucial in healthcare settings to improve speech clarity and reduce distractions. In
educational settings, excessive reverberation can hinder students' understanding. Sound-absorbing
materials and controlling room reverberation time can enhance speech clarity, leading to better academic
performance. In healthcare facilities, sound attenuation creates a peaceful environment, aiding patient
recovery and improving communication between healthcare professionals and patients.
Conservation of Energy:

 Acoustic materials in architecture conserve energy by providing insulation against sound and acting as
thermal insulators. They reduce heat transmission through walls, floors, and ceilings, improving energy
efficiency and reducing the need for heating and cooling systems. This leads to cost savings and reduced
greenhouse gas emissions.
Sound-Absorbing Materials:

 Power plants and other industrial activities can have negative impacts on the environment. Sound-absorbing
materials can help mitigate these effects by reducing noise levels. Implementing acoustic treatments like
barriers or absorptive cladding can protect the ecosystem and nearby residents from the harmful effects of
excessive noise pollution.

Acoustics in architecture enhances human comfort, reduces noise pollution, conserves energy, and improves spaces'
functionality. It contributes to a sustainable environment by reducing noise pollution and conserving energy. Architects
must prioritize acoustics and explore innovative solutions to promote harmony between humans, architectural
structures, and the natural environment, thereby creating sustainable and eco-friendly spaces.
 Materials to be Used

Architectural acoustics is a crucial aspect of building design, focusing on controlling sound within a built environment.
Materials used in architectural acoustics are chosen based on factors like the space's purpose, desired sound
control, and budget. Various materials can be used individually or in combination to achieve desired acoustic
outcomes, ensuring a comfortable and functional built environment.

Porous Absorbers:

 Architectural acoustics relies heavily on sound-absorbing materials, including

porous absorbers like mineral wool and fiberglass. These materials absorb
sound energy, converting it into heat through friction and viscous effects.
Porous absorbers are commonly used in auditoriums, recording studios, and
concert halls due to their high level of sound absorption, making them ideal for
spaces like auditoriums, recording studios, and concert halls.

Resonant Absorbers:

 Helmholtz resonators and diaphragmatic absorbers are resonant absorbers

used for low-frequency sound control in spaces like music or industrial
spaces. These absorbers consist of a panel or membrane that resonates at a
specific frequency, absorbing sound energy at that frequency. They are
commonly used in areas like music and machinery.

Acoustic Panels (Timber):

 Wool is commonly used in acoustic panels to absorb sound waves, reducing

reflections and unwanted noise. These panels, made from foam, fiberglass, or
mineral wool, trap sound energy and convert it into heat, making them ideal for
recording studios, concert halls, theaters, and offices.

Gypsum Board and Mass-loaded Vinyl:

 Sound-absorbing materials like gypsum board and mass-loaded vinyl are

crucial in architectural acoustics to prevent sound transmission and noise
pollution. Gypsum board, also known as drywall, is a widely used material for
interior walls and partitions due to its mass and density. When combined with
insulation and resilient channels, it effectively reduces sound transmission
between rooms. Mass-loaded vinyl (MLV) is a dense, flexible barrier against
airborne sound, often used in soundproofing walls, floors, and ceilings. It can be
installed within wall cavities, under flooring, or on top of existing surfaces to
reduce sound transmission.
Acoustic Fabrics:

 Acoustic properties of fabrics enhance aesthetic appeal by reducing

reflected sound. These fabrics, with their open structure, allow sound waves
to pass through and absorb, enhancing the sound-absorbing capabilities of
absorbent materials like panels and baffles.
REFERENCES

BigRentz. (2023, October 10). Architectural acoustics: The art of sound design.
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/architectural-acoustics

Principles of Acoustic Design. GC Music Center. (n.d.).

https://gcmusiccenter.org/about/acoustics/principles-acoustic-design/

Overview of acoustical materials. Thomasnet® - Product Sourcing and Supplier Discovery

Platform - Find North American Manufacturers, Suppliers and Industrial Companies.
(2020, August 15). https://www.thomasnet.com/articles/plant-facility-equipment/overview-
of-acoustical-materials/