Semin Hear 2004; 25(2): 167-177
DOI: 10.1055/s-2004-828667
Copyright © 2004 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Development and Challenges of the American National Standards Institute Standard for Classroom Acoustics

Louis C. Sutherland1 , David Lubman2
  • 1Consultant in Acoustics, Rancho Palos Verdes, California
  • 2David Lubman and Associates, Westminster, California
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
27 May 2004 (online)

This article outlines the rationale and steps leading to the approval of the first American standard for acceptable acoustics in a classroom setting. The performance criteria for evaluating conformance with the standard are presented, as is a brief overview of the design criteria that can be used in formulation and construction of classrooms with good acoustics. Finally, although the development of a standard is a noteworthy achievement, there are many challenges that must be overcome.

REFERENCES

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  • 2 American Speech-Language-Hearing Association . Guidelines for acoustics in educational environments.  ASHA. 1995;  37(suppl) 14-19
  • 3 Berglund B, Lindvall T, Schwella D Guidelines for Community Noise. Geneva; World Health Organization (WHO) 1995
  • 4 Acoustic Guide-Selection of Acoustic Quality in Buildings. Stockholm, Sweden; Swedish Council for Building Research 1996
  • 5 American National Standards Institute .Acoustical Performance Criteria, Design Requirements, and Guidelines for Schools. ANSI S12.60-2002 Melville, NY; Acoustical Society of America
  • 6 Pearsons K, Bennett R S, Fidell S. Speech levels in various noise environments. EPA-600/1-77-02. Washington, DC; Office of Health and Ecological Effects, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 1976
  • 7 Condition of America's Schools .GAO/HEHS-95-61. Report No. B-259307 Washington, DC; U.S. General Accounting Office, Health, Education, Human Services Division Feb 1995
  • 8 Condition of America's Public School Facilities: 1999 .National Center for Education Statistics, NCES 2000-32. Washington, DC; U.S. Department of Education June, 2000
  • 9 Statistical Abstract of the United States .Data for school districts and students for the year 2000, for schools, for the years 1998 and 1999. Washington, DC; U.S. Census Bureau 2001

Louis C Sutherland

27803 Longhill Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes

CA 90275-3908

Email: lou-sutherland@juno.com

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