MEETING AND TRAINING ROOMS

The requirements of these types of spaces are two-fold.

First, they need to be isolated from adjacent space so that distractions are minimized (both inside and outside the space) and, in some cases, confidentiality is achieved.

The means of providing this are discussed in the section dealing with NOISE ISOLATION.

Secondly, the quality of the sound needs to be addressed to assure that speech is intelligible. Much of the design that provides for good audio transmission and recording as discussed in the VIDEO CONFERENCING – TELE CONFERENCING section apply to these generally larger spaces.

AUDITORIUMS are directional. The intent of their design is to create a room in which speech is audible and intelligible throughout. The voice from the stage, podium, etc. should reach every listener at a similar volume or, at least, a sufficient volume. Sometimes those in front may hear things slightly louder than is necessary so that those in back can hear at a volume that is sufficient. The geometry of the space, the surface treatments and the audio system enable this to happen.

The surfaces of an auditorium should be designed to reflect and project the sound to the rear of the space. The sound should not reflect from that back wall; in that way the sound passes the listeners ears once. More than once and you have distortion. For this reason the ceilings in large auditoriums are angled and are hard surfaced to reflect the sound from the stage uniformly. The sidewalls toward the front are similarly configured and are hard surfaced. The rear walls are treated with absorptive material, as are the rear sidewalls. How much and what the performance (absorption characteristics or NRC) are may vary somewhat.

Acoustical panels at sides and rear walls of auditorium reduce distortion.

In spaces where loud speakers are positioned along the sidewalls, a more uniform treatment would be required with absorptive treatment extending further toward the front.

MEETING AND TRAINING ROOMS that are not and will not be video conferencing or tele conferencing rooms may not require much in the way of absorptive treatment unless they are large enough so as to require a loud speaker system. You should always keep in mind that many of these spaces will ultimately have an option for audio transmission and receiving as the cost of these systems comes down and "distance learning" technology becomes more widely available as is the trend in education. These spaces should be designed with this option in mind; i.e. leave room to add absorptive panels in the future.

Acoustical panels at sides and rear walls of lecture hall reduce distortion.