In the past eight years, the design standards of classrooms have improved significantly. This movement was instigated by the introduction of the classroom acoustics standard in 2002 from the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), in collaboration with the Acoustical Society of America. The standard, formally known as ANSI S12.60, has become…

Public education is one of the central tasks of a democratic society, and the buildings that house this important task not only shape the way one teaches, but provide icons and symbols for the values people hold common as a society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this context has placed school buildings squarely in a position of debate and innovation…

Discusses important concepts regarding children's need for specialized acoustical standards in classrooms: (1) all children need good acoustics to understand familiar words and to learn new information; (2) children who have hearing loss, those learning in a second language, and those with auditory or attention problems need even more favorable…

States the position of the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) toward ANSI Standard 12.60, which addresses classroom acoustics. Explains why it believes the standard creates an overly stringent requirement. (EV)

DISCUSSES THE SERVICES, PROJECTS, AND PLANNING PROCESS OF THE SCHOOL PLANNING LABORATORY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE. SERVICES INCLUDE--(1) ASSISTING SCHOOL SYSTEMS AND COLLEGES IN PLANNING FUNCTIONAL EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES, (2) CONDUCTING RESEARCH TO DISCOVER NEW AND BETTER SOLUTIONS TO SCHOOL PLANNING PROBLEMS, AND (3) DISSEMINATING IDEAS FOR…

Author discusses the importance of proper acoustics to a learning environment. In addition, he gives pointers on various accoustical treatments. Basic to his suggestions is his belief that not only the construction of an area, but also its ultimate purpose must be considered in the planning. (Author)

This draft standard developed by the Classroom Acoustics Working Group provides acoustical performance criteria and accompanying design guidelines intended to ensure good speech communication among students and teachers in learning spaces. To ensure the noise limits are not exceeded, adequate sound isolation between classrooms and adjacent spaces…

The results of a project undertaken to assist the Office of Facilities of the State University of New York in the development of design and planning criteria for "learning spaces" with particular emphasis on the considerations for seating, lighting and acoustics. The learning spaces referred to are classified as large group instructional…

Topics of economical designing and planning are examined in both general and specific terms. Diagrams and photographs illustrate general conditions and principles while the text outlines criteria and provides specific suggestion. Subjects covered include--(1) building design fundamentals, (2) cost comparisons, (3) efficient design, (4) basic plan…

Problems of sound insulation and control particularly in areas where there is a high level in exterior noise conditions, resulted in this study to determine approaches to sound control in school construction. After a general discussion of noise problems in school districts and teaching situations, two examples of sound control solutions are…

Eleven conference papers treat designing learning modules, or complete instructional facilities, for the deaf. The following aspects are considered: the changing classroom, a multimedia approach to teaching American History, a project design for a special school, and educational implications of architecture for the deaf. Further topics are…

The learning environment and its interrelationship with educational policies and the coordinated planning and design of schools and their facilities are discussed in the light of the human organism or student. The problems and hazards of present learning environments are reviewed in conjunction with environmental control and its influence on…