Ceiling Acoustics In Educational Settings
The importance of acoustics in educational settings cannot be overstated. Beyond making it difficult for students to hear their teachers, the negative impacts of poor classroom acoustics can be significant.
From the students’ point of view, these include effects on cognitive functioning as well as an increase in behavioural problems, which in turn, have negative effects on learning outcomes. Then, from the perspective of teachers, impacts include an increase in voice-related medical issues and increased stress associated with classroom management difficulties, disruption, and so forth.
The solution to all these issues lies largely in the hands of architects. By implementing sound acoustic techniques, and where necessary employing the latest acoustic products, specifiers can solve these acoustic-related problems and create environments in which students and teachers can thrive.
In this session of CPD Live, titled ‘Ceiling Acoustics in Educational Settings’, we outline the best ways to ensure this is the case. Focussing particularly on ceiling acoustics, our speakers highlight examples of sound classroom acoustics and explain how to replicate these successes.
At the end of this presentation, you should be able to:
- Explain the importance of good acoustic design in educational settings
- Identify the standards and regulations that apply to acoustics in educational settings
- Identify the various acoustic strategies that architects can take to achieve desired outcomes
- Outline the benefits of acoustic ceilings in the context of educational facilities
(PC12 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT, PC28 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC33 PROJECT INITIATION AND CONCEPTUAL DESIGN, PC41 DETAILED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION)
Speakers
Frank De Mendonca, National Interior Acoustics Manager for CSR Commercial Fit Out, which includes Woven Image
Frank is an ambitious, entrepreneurial and passionate senior sales professional with extensive experience in sales team management and business-to-business key account development, both national and international. He carries expertise in and intimate knowledge of, commercial specification, merchant and export markets. With a decade of experience specifically in the acoustic industry, Frank carries expert knowledge and extensive insights in all things related to acoustic design.
Artur Moreira, Acoustic Engineer, Resonate Consultants
Artur Moreira is an acoustic engineer at Resonate Consultants with a multidisciplinary background spanning civil engineering, music, and interior architecture. Originally from Portugal, he holds Master’s degrees in Civil Engineering (Portugal) and Music (Netherlands), and has also studied interior architecture in the Netherlands. With over a decade of experience in construction and design across Europe, Artur brings a unique perspective to acoustic consultancy—where technical expertise meets creative insight. Since 2019, he has been practicing in Australia, contributing to a range of educational projects, including the Bendigo Kangan Institute City Campus Revitalisation, the Ian Potter Museum of Art Education and Program Centre, and the Marist College Canberra Science and Performing Arts Building, among others.
Janelle Guy, State Manager, South Australia, Woven Image