Intelligent passive room acoustic technology to satisfy acoustic design standards in classrooms

Purpose Informed by acoustic design standards, the built environments are designed with single reverberation times (RTs), a trade-off between long and short RTs needed for different space functions. The novel intelligent passive room acoustic technology (IPRAT) has the potential to revolutionise room acoustics, thus, it is imperative to analyse and quantify its effect. IPRAT achieves real-time room acoustic improvement by integrating passive variable acoustic technology (PVAT) and acoustic scene classification (ASC). This paper aims to compare IPRAT simulation results with the AS/NZS 2107:2016 Australian/New Zealand recommended design acoustic standards. Design/methodology/approach In this paper 20 classroom environments are virtually configured for the simulation, multiplying 5 classrooms with 4 aural situations typical to New Zealand classrooms. The acoustic parameters RT, sound clarity (C50) and sound strength (G) are considered and analysed in the simulation. These parameters can be used to determine the effects of improved acoustics for both teacher vocal relief and student comprehension. The IPRAT was assumed to vary RT and was represented in the simulation by six different absorption coefficient spectrums. Findings The optimised acoustic parameters were derived from relationships between C50, RT and G. These relationships and optimal RTs contribute a unique database to literature. IPRAT's advantages were discerned from a comparison of current, attainable and optimised acoustic parameters. Originality/value By quantifying the effect of IPRAT, it is understood that IPRAT has the potential to satisfy the key recommendations of professional industry standards (for New Zealand namely; AS/NZS 2107:2016 recommended design acoustic standards).

Automated summary

By comparing IPRAT simulation results with the AS/NZS 2107:2016 Australian/New Zealand recommended design acoustic standards, this study examines the potential of IPRAT to revolutionize room acoustics. The simulation analyzes acoustic parameters such as reverberation time (RT), sound clarity (C50), and sound strength (G) to determine the effects of improved acoustics on teacher vocal relief and student comprehension. The findings provide a unique database of relationships between these parameters and optimal RTs, highlighting the advantages of IPRAT.