ON SITE WITH SYKES

CHRISTOPHER SYKES

I S A N A R C H I T E C T W H O T R A I N E D AT T H E B A R T L E T T S C H O O L O F A R C H I T E C T U R E AT U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E LO N D O N . A F T E R

H E Q U A L I F I E D , H E W O R K E D I N B O T H LO N D O N A N D S W E D E N . H AV I N G W I D E N E D H I S W R I T I N G A N D J O U R N A L I S T I C S K I L L S , H E S U B S E Q U E N T LY S TA R T E D H I S O W N P U B L I S H I N G C O M PA N Y S P E C I A L I S I N G I N B U I L D I N G M A G A Z I N E S A N D E V E N T S . A S A H O B B Y, H E U S E D TO W R I T E S I TC O M F O R T H E B B C .

The famous acoustics solution at the Royal Albert Hall ©Chris Christodoulou

The wide selection of new acoustics panels, designed and manufactured by Troldtekt

AN INVISIBLE PROBLEM WITH HIGHLY VISIBLE SOLUTIONS

Unusually, the specification and design of good and very sound acoustics is a horizontal activity. In other words, it is not just about the science of decibels for more suitable hearing in a space, but actually means that architects and designers have to think widely about the combination of acoustics with aesthetics, health and other issues. Sound is what we hear. Noise, on the other hand, is unwanted sound – and even relatively quiet noise can be distracting.

Some of the leading manufacturers of acoustic products recognise this. They, and good designers, provide stunning highly visual solutions for what is essentially an invisible problem.

A great example is the acoustics of the 1860 Royal Albert Hall which used to suffer badly from an unfortunate echo caused by the curvature of its dramatic ceiling. Following acoustic tests carried out 100 years later, the solution was to hang fibreglass acoustic diffusers (fondly nicknamed ‘mushrooms’) from the auditorium ceiling. The contribution to its interior design is remarkable.

As we all know, bad acoustics can so easily ruin an environment. Mad running noise in restaurants may sound fun but is actually a disaster when one customer cannot hear his neighbour. The path which sound takes is often bizarre. Bizarre when the priest’s words may be heard clearly by the front pews and the back pews but not by the middle ones because of the way bouncing sounds sometimes travel.

The good news is that this stimulates the design of interesting and different interiors. For example, baffles hanging from the ceiling, which add a dramatic aesthetic boost to an interior that might never have been used had the acoustics been bad.

Solutions are dramatically shown on www.pininterest/acoustic solutions, which illustrates an avalanche of product and design solutions for walls and ceilings.

If you are thinking about nature, then one trendy acoustic solution is panels made from reindeer moss. This is hydrophobic (repelling water) with no roots, absorbing moisture and nutrients through the air. It also filters out toxins and is maintenance-free.

An interesting event that illustrates how acoustics can influence interior design are the recent European Awards. This year, leading acoustic product manufacturer, Troldtekt’s design solutions (illustrated) won the Germany Design Award 2020 and the Iconic Awards 2019. They were also a finalist in the ‘Feel good – Product’ award category of the Danish Design Award and in the Peoples’ Choice category where the public selects the winner.

The Danish Design Awards jury commented: “Good acoustics play an important role in our feeling of wellbeing. This design solution uses existing materials from local sources that expand possibilities for good acoustic environments. The line of products is a well-rounded solution to an ongoing challenge of providing affordable acoustically comfortable environments where people are happy to live, enjoy and work.”

If ever acoustics really becomes invisible, it is worth getting advice from the experts. For example, Anderson Acoustics has launched free lunch-and-learn sessions specifically created for architects and technical managers to refresh and grow their knowledge of acoustics within the built environment.

The one-hour sessions held at its London and Brighton offices offer the opportunity to hear from expert acoustic consultants who share valuable information and advice on a range of topics including building acoustics, room acoustics, schools acoustics, sound insulation, planning noise impact assessments and more.

Emma Greenland, Education Sector Lead, comments: “We recognise the growing demand from architects for opportunities to learn about specific topics within acoustics, noise, vibration and air quality. Our informal continuing professional development (CPD) sessions meet this need by providing a convenient and relaxed environment for architects to acquire knowledge and relationships to deliver better buildings, spaces and places which look and sound amazing.”