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Goal: To provide a space where a variety
of presentation styles can be effectively used without excessive
distractions.
- Related Codes & Standards
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- Tips/Considerations
- Recommended reverberation time is between 0.6 and 1 second.
- Absorptive materials will most likely be necessary for the ceiling. Often times, the perimeter of the ceiling is absorptive and the area above the conference room table is kept reflective.
- Even if the reverberation time is optimally controlled, reflections from the walls can be problematic. Slap back from the back wall can create an issue for the presenter and parallel reflective surfaces can cause an annoying condition called flutter echo or standing wave. Ideally, at least the back wall and one side wall should be treated with acoustically absorptive material. It might not be necessary to completely treat the wall as long as the critical zone (normally from 3'-7') is treated with a material that has an NRC of at least 0.50, ideally at least 0.80.
- Draperies typically provide very little,
if any, absorption.
- Beware of potential noise impact to your
space from exterior sources and/or excessive
HVAC noise. To help protect your design, the NC level should
not exceed 25 to 35. When specifying NC, specify an actual
rating, such as NC 30, rather than a range, such as NC 25-30.
Although specifying a lower number will ensure minimal background
noise, it might be cost prohibitive to achieve. Be realistic
about the amount of acceptable noise and the project's budget
when specifying an NC level.
- If an electronic masking system is being used throughout the facility, it is best to avoid installing speakers in the conference room. If this cannot be avoided, consider at least turning down the speaker(s) in this space.
- If confidentiality or privacy is an issue, you need to be concerned with the isolation quality of the wall. Even if you specify a high STC rating for the wall, it will not allow for privacy if the wall only extends to the ceiling, or just above the ceiling. To help ensure confidentiality, the wall must extend to, and seal to, the deck. Remember, the STC rating of a wall only refers to how well a section of that wall performs in a laboratory and does not necessarily indicate how well the system will perform in the field. Specifying an NIC rating can help ensure the desired isolation level.
- A sound system may be necessary to enhance the presentations.
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