Cover photos (clockwise from top): UMASS BOSTON UNIVERSITY HALL ©Anton Grassl/ESTO; SANDY HOOK SCHOOL © Robert Benson; CONTINUUM HQ © John Horner | This page: ZUMIX © Hotshot Photography
We work with clients to create environments conducive to teaching, learning, working, creating, performance, research, living, and enjoyment. Acentech’s multi-disciplinary team brings extensive experience to critical areas of design – architectural acoustics, mechanical systems noise and vibration control, environmental noise, product sound quality, audiovisual and multimedia systems, security systems, and wired and wireless voice and data networking.
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About Us
This page: EMERSON COLLEGE PARAMOUNT CENTER © Peter Vanderwarker | Opposite, (clockwise from top left): WESTFIELD STATE UNIVERSITY © Robert Benson; THE LUCAS © Raj Das; MASS MOCA © Michael Moran/OTTO; CALIFORNIA HIGH SPEED RAIL © CADOT
Acentech offers consulting in architectural acoustics, audiovisual design, environmental noise and vibration control, and security system and information technology design to clients across the US and beyond. As a pioneer in the fields of acoustics and audiovisual consulting, Acentech is one of the largest and longest standing consulting firms currently serving architectural, engineering, institutional, commercial, education, and cultural clients.
Acoustics AV/IT/Security Vibration Our Mission Acentech’s work enables communication, enriches the beauty of the aural experience, and controls sound. Our designs connect people, enliven our sonic environment, and make the world a quieter place. We listen carefully to the needs of our clients and the future users of our project environments. Acentech provides consulting and design services collaboratively in order to develop functional and sustainable spaces and products that people love to use.
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Acoustics Good acoustics is not an accident; it requires flexibility and creativity informed by broad expertise. Acentech couples the most diverse experience of any acoustical consulting firm with a thoughtful and nimble approach. We collaborate to ensure success on even the most complex projects, and we identify and address challenges with practical, cost effective, and aesthetically appropriate solutions.
This page: DEERFIELD ACADEMY © Emily O’Brien | Opposite (clockwise from left): BOSTON CONSERVATORY © Chuck Choi; SANDY HOOK SCHOOL © Robert Benson; NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY © Warren Jagger
Acoustics often determines whether or not a space is successful.
Sound Isolation Mechanical System Noise and Vibration Provide suitable background noise levels, inside and out • Equipment Noise • HVAC, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems • Community Noise
Control sound transmission between spaces and from the outside • Partition Types • Floor/Ceiling Assemblies • Doors and Windows
Room Acoustics Design how sound behaves within a space • Room Sizing • Room Shaping • Finish Materials
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ACOUSTICS CONSULTING SERVICES Acoustical Finishes and Materials Recommendations
Design and Specification of Variable Acoustics Systems
Equipment-Specific Sound Isolation
Needs Assessment and Programming
Interior and Envelope Sound Isolation
Mechanical System Noise Attenuation
Quiet Mechanical System Design Benchmarking
Sound Isolation – Acoustical Privacy
Architecturally Sensitive Recommendations
Room Shape and Size
Existing Conditions Evaluation
Background Sound Level Criteria
3DListening® Auralization (Acoustics Simulation)
Sound Masking Specification
Environmental Noise
Orchestra Shell Design
Remote Sound Level Monitoring
3D Acoustics Modeling / VR
Community Noise Evaluation
Above (from left): BRIGHAM & WOMENS HOSPITAL © NBBJ; TEMPLE UNIVERSITY © Halkin Mason Photography; LESLEY UNIVERSITY © Robert Benson Opposite: Acentech Auralization Image; WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY IN ST LOUIS © Alan Karchmer
3D Listening® Auralization
Acentech’s 3DListening® auralization is an immersive three-dimensional sound simulation that can demonstrate the effects of acoustical designs for a space that is yet to be built. Auralizations play an important role in the design process of many projects. It is a tool we use to help develop designs, shape a space, inform decisions, and give project owners and building users the opportunity to hear the effects of different design features and to choose the acoustical properties that fit their goals.
Hear the Difference!
Theaters and Concert Halls Music Rehearsal Facilities Classrooms and Lecture Halls Laboratories and Research Facilities Common Corridors Atria Museums Campus Centers and Dining Facilities Residential Halls Houses of Worship Convention Centers Conference Rooms Multi-Function Rooms
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AV/IT/Security With the dramatic increase in the demand for sophisticated and intuitive communication systems, Acentech is an ideal partner to aid in the conceptualization and design of technology-rich environments. Our consultants utilize current engineering and project management tools to effectively communicate with design teams and project stake holders. We partner with our clients to guide them through the project process, anticipate hurdles, and provide design solutions that will meet the needs of the user for the present and future.
This page: BRYANT UNIVERSITY © Anton Grassl/ ESTO | Opposite (clockwise from left): DERBY ACADEMY © Greg Premru; UMASS AMHERST © Alex Schreyer; UNIVERSITY OF MAINE © Amy Pierce; CONTINUUM HQ © John Horne
Technology design is an evolving interaction. Information Technology Identify and meet the technology project goals of today’s facilities with an eye towards the future
Audiovisual
• WiFi Network Design and Predictive Modeling
Security
Technology to support the space’s mission
• Telecommunications Structured Cabling Systems
Expert guidance for your security system
• Distance Learning and Class Capture • Unified Communications Conference and Collaboration
• Campus Master Planning
• Video Surveillance • Access Control • Command Centers
• Mass Notification Systems 11
AV/IT/SECURITY CONSULTING SERVICES Media Storage and Distribution Digital Video and Film Production Ultra High Resolution Display Solutions Control Systems Design and Integration Digital Signage Video Broadcast Production Speech and Music Reinforcement
Telecommunications Structured Cabling Systems
Artificial Reverberation and Acoustical Enhancement
Large Distributed Sound Systems for Athletic Fields
Command and Control Centers
Ultra High Resolution Display Revit® Documentation Production Communication Systems Simultaneous Interpretation Systems
ADA-Compliant Assistive Listening Systems On-Site Commissioning, Evaluation, and System Testing BMS Integration Video Surveillance Systems
Access Control Systems
Above (from left): MLK JR SCHOOL © Robert Benson; BOSTON UNIVERSITY © Richard Mandelkorn courtesy of Bruner/Cott & Associates; HARVARD UNIVERSITY © Warren Jagger | Opposite: © Emily O’Brien
Predictive Modeling
When designing a sound reinforcement system for a given space, the main evaluation criteria are uniform coverage, dynamic range, and speech intelligibility throughout the listening area. While coverage and output are generally associated with loudspeaker selection and placement, speech intelligibility in a given space will also be determined by room size and materials. As an example, a larger space will typically have a relatively long reverberation time which can reduce intelligibility by masking the desired speech signal. To establish achievable design goals, a predictive model is created to determine acoustic finishes and loudspeaker location.
See How Your Systems Will Perform
Classrooms and Lecture Halls Theaters and Concert Halls Convention Centers Conference Rooms Campus Centers and Dining Facilities Houses of Worship Museums Atria Multi-Function Rooms Transportation Terminals Arenas and Stadiums Broadcast Studios
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Vibration
Issues related to vibration and noise are often complex and unique, requiring a high level of expertise and experience to resolve. With world renowned leaders in the field, decades of diverse experience, and a cultural thirst for challenges, Acentech is uniquely positioned to ensure the success of projects ranging from the routine to the very complex. We pride ourselves in our ability to work with our clients to rapidly develop practical, cost-effective, and successful solutions.
This page: © Unsplash | Opposite (clockwise from left): © Andrew McKaskle; © Acentech; © Emily O’Brien; © Acentech
Noise and vibration issues are often complex and unique. Environmental Noise and Vibration Vibration Evaluation Determine suitability for equipment or occupants
Includes noise and vibration inside or outside of industrial facilities, as well as energy and transportation-related noise
• Mitigation Strategies • Structureborne or Groundborne Noise and Vibration
• Improve Sound Quality
• Building and Structural Dynamics • Long-Term Monitoring of Noise and Vibration
Product Sound Appliances, consumer products, and medical devices
• Assessment and Prediction
• Noise Reduction
Innovative Research
• Quiet Product Design
Government and commercial clients • Research and Development • Underwater Acoustics
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VIBRATION AND NOISE SERVICES
Building Vibration Control Clean Room Certification Environmental, Industrial and Transportation Noise Assessments and Control
Product Noise Analysis, Quiet Product Design, and Sound Quality Improvement Remote and On-Site Long-Term Monitoring of Vibration and Noise
Expert Witness Services
Structural Dynamics
Noise and Vibration Measurements and Surveys
Structureborne Sound Analysis
Noise Mitigation Analysis and Design
Research and Development in Acoustics and Vibration Underwater Acoustics Vibration-Based Machinery Diagnostics and Signal Processing Vibration Mitigation Analysis and Design
Sound and Vibration Propagation Modeling
Above (from left): UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA © Acentech; CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA © Jeff Goldberg/ESTO; GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY © Robert Benson | Opposite (from left): BOSTON CONSERVATORY © Shawmut Construction; YALE UNIVERSITY © Acentech
Remote Monitoring of Noise and Vibration
Acentech’s remote monitoring systems provide administrators, managers, contractors and researchers with real-time notification and continuous access to critical vibration and noise information. Using an internet connection, monitors can not only be viewed, controlled, and data accessed remotely, they can also send email and text alarm messages when vibration or noise pre-set limits are exceeded. These capabilities allow interested parties to anticipate problems, mitigate activities, schedule operations and document potential impacts and events.
Benefits of Remote Monitoring Allows for Rapid Response to Noise/Vibration Issues Real-Time Automatic Notification Monitors Adherence to Criteria and Regulations Documentation Allows Construction to Coexist with Noise/Vibration Sensitive Receivers Live Data Feed Anticipate Problems in Critical Situations Assess Mitigating Actions and Planning
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Acentech’s Studio A creates world class acoustics and audiovisual systems for the performing arts. Performance spaces and performing arts education facilities demand specialized designs to ensure good function, both aesthetically and pedagogically. Studio A provides essential expertise in acoustics, audiovisual systems, and noise and vibration control to performing arts projects worldwide.
ACOUSTICS
AUDIOVISUAL SYSTEMS
COMMUNITY NOISE & VIBRATION
Performance and Rehearsal Spaces
Sound Reinforcement, Recording, and Playback
Vibration Assessment and Mitigation
Room Shape, Size, and Finish Recommendations
Video Projection and Recording
Base-Building Vibration Isolation
Needs Assessment and Programming
Assistive Listening and Display Systems
Remote Sound Monitoring
Auralization and Acoustical Modeling
Production Intercom and Backstage Monitoring
Sound Isolation
Broadcast Monitoring
Quiet Mechanical System Design
Indoor and Outdoor Displays Design of Wiring and IT Infrastructure Digital Cinema
ACOUSTICS
AV/IT/SECURITY
VIBRATION
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Opposite (from left): courtesy STRAZ THEATER; MIDDLESEX SCHOOL © Robert Benson; BOSTON CONSERVATORY © Chuck Choi; UNIVERSITY OF INDIANA © Tom Kessler | Above (from left): WELLESLEY COLLEGE © Michael Moran/OTTO; TRIP ADVISOR HQ © Robert Benson; BRIDGEPORT HOSPITAL courtesy Shepley Bulfinch
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