Progressing the Learning Curve:
Designing Healthy Educational Facilities
Each of us has our own strategy for learning. Some need the faint buzz of a radio in the
background while others need complete silence. Some work better sitting on an overstuffed
couch sipping tea while others need the disciplined environment of a stark office or study room
with only a desk and a chair. There are times when it's appropriate to pick and choose the ideal
atmosphere for a given purpose. There also are times when a didactic environment should offer
the amenities and comforts necessary for optimal learning. One of these instances is in the
classroom or other educational facility.
The Problem
A multitude of research demonstrates that classroom background noise (from air conditioners or
heating units, freeways or busy roads, adjacent classrooms and various other noise sources)
hinders a teacher's ability to teach effectively and presents a learning hazard, especially for
younger students who are beginning to grasp the basics of comprehension. Often times,
architects and designers of such institutions do not take acoustics into account in the design
phase. Of course, the problems become evident after the foundation is poured, the walls are
secured, the paint is dry and the students are shuffling through the halls. But, what then? Sure,
experts can conduct studies and offer recommendations (which are often too expensive to
implement), parents can express their concern at PTO meetings, teachers can beg the school
board rectify the problem, but in many cases, it's just too late. Take, for example, a recent study
conducted at several Tempe, Arizona elementary schools. Each of these schools is arranged in an
open-classroom format, some with only thin partitions separating one classroom from another.
Decibel level readings, documented in classrooms that were either unoccupied or when students
remained still and silent, ranged from 55 to 83 dBA*. For comparison, normal conversation takes
place at 63 dBA, passenger cars at 50' register around 70 dBA and an alarm clock is about 80
dBA.
The Solution
Simple. Design professionals must account for acoustics in the design phase. Doing so means
taking the following factors into consideration:
HVAC noise - Noise from air-conditioning/heating units or other equipment on the
premises. Specify a maximum Noise Criteria (NC) level for the classrooms. Also, specify
a maximum dB level for all equipment in and around the school.
Transmitted noise from outside - Noise from nearby freeways, busy roads, train tracks
and other transportation- or industrial-related sources. Identify noise sources in the
vicinity and assess the possible impact. Based on this assessment, take the proper steps to
minimize or eliminate the potential problem.
Transmitted noise from other classrooms or other areas of the facility (particularly in an
open-classroom setting) - Noise from adjacent classroom teachers, activities, televisions,
radios, etc… Make certain your designs include sufficient barriers between learning
environments.
These factors impact not only a student's ability to concentrate and focus, but also their ability to
hear or understand what is said in the classroom.
Many recent studies demonstrate that acoustics is a significant inhibitor to productivity and that
the presence of noise is directly related to lower test scores. As a result of this research (and
numerous other studies), specific criteria for acoustics in classrooms are currently on the verge of
inclusion in the building code**. Once approved, accounting for acoustics will be mandated and
required. Until then, it is the responsibility of the design professional to take acoustic factors into
consideration.
*Decibel level readings recorded during one-minute intervals. Actual readings throughout a
typical day might register much lower or higher than those indicated. Readings reflect noise
levels coming into the classroom (coming from sources other than the teachers and students in
the room), rather than from the classroom. This is the level that teachers and students must speak
or think over in these particular classrooms.
**The International Codes Council oversees the development and evolution of the International
Building Code (IBC).
Check out the latest ANSI requirements for educational facilities and the related article Sound
Education: Acoustic Standards in Educational Facilities.
