Case Study: The Chapman Graduate School of Business

Nicole Figueroa/ Kamilah BermudezAcoustics Assignment #3

Sections:

Acoustic wall panel: Used as sound absorbent treatment to control reverberation, echo, and flutter

Windows:

Acoustic blanket

Gypsum board

Tempered glass

Doors:

Application of continuous bead for acoustical caulk

Metal acoustical door

Metal acoustical door

Application of continuous bead for acoustical caulk

Furniture:

Furniture:

Furniture:

Partitions:

Acoustic blanket

Gypsum board

Aluminum foilrigid insulation

Tour Questions and Locations:

Site Observations1. What does it look like?

The facility looks like two interlocking “L”s from above. From within the space it has a spacious courtyard with linear fountains. There is a large staircase spilling into the center of the courtyard.

2. What condition is it in?

The building is in brand new condition as it is a new facility. It looks like it has not been used; not broken into.

3. Is it functional? Explain.

The classrooms are functional in the sense that they are arranged well. The student lounge is also functional because it is set up in a manner that facilitates interaction and communication between students.

4. What is your experience of the space/system component? How do you feel?

In the classrooms, the acoustic design worked well because the materials used absorbed the sound really well; you don’t have the annoying echo bouncing off the walls. In the student lounge however, the acoustic design was slightly on the poor side because there was little sound absorption.

User Identification1. Who uses the building?

People who use the building consist of students, faculty, custodians, and maintenance crews.

2. Who is there on a daily basis? Who is there for shorter periods of time?

Students, Faculty, and custodial are there on a daily basis. Professors are there for shorter periods of time as they teach a course and leave when they are finished.

3. Which users interact with your assigned building systems and why? Which users do not and why?

All users interact with acoustics design because the noise level affects their concentration. Users who are not affected are those who are hearing impaired because they’ve lost their auditory sense.

4. How do they interact with the systems?

They shouldn’t hear any loud noises because that would be a failure for acoustic design. To be productive the user should not be bothered by noise allowing them the opportunity to utilize the space as an educational facility.

Tour Questions for Guide:

Guide Questions1. What are the acoustic problems in the Chapman

Buildings?

2. What spaces have the most acoustic design? Why?

3. How does the ceiling height affect the acoustics of the various rooms?

Questions Regarding User1. How many students/faculty usually use the

space? Does the amount of people affect the noise level? Is it noticeable?

2. What spaces are efficient in acoustics? Are there areas that are too loud?

3. What changes have inhabitants requested in regards to acoustics? Have any changes been made? Are there any complains?

Places for Acoustic Design:

Places to Visit1. Auditorium

2. Equipment Room

3. Partition walls in offices

4. Heating / AC unit room

5. Ceiling details