Acoustic correction for the conversion of a workshop to a learning resource centre

The conversion of a workshop into a learning resource centre for a college of further education had to cater for a teaching area, a large computer area and a library. Hugh Byrd Associates had the challenge of creating the right acoustic environment for all of these activities.

The existing workshop was constructed of 'hard' materials that are poor acoustic absorbers, making the whole space reverberant. The various activities within the space had conflicting acoustic requirements and it was important that noise transmission between the spaces was minimised.

Bafflesorba panels were suspended in critical areas around the information desk as well as other areas in the learning resource centre. Hugh from Hugh Byrd Associates explained how the baffles treated the acoustic problem successfully:

"They successfully overcame the acoustic problems within the space as well as provided an attractive ceiling, more diffuse lighting and acoustic privacy immediately over the desk."