Hear & now

While most of our work focuses on the importance of acoustical design for human environments, our Principal of Acoustical Engineering, Erik Miller-Klein, recently contributed to the 2020 book “Zoo Animal Learning and Training”. This modality box explores the importance of understanding acoustics and animal hearing for zoo animal trainers, facility designers, and facilities staff. Through our research, for this book we found that acoustics is a safety issue for zookeepers, because elevated sound levels increase stress hormones in animals and reduce the staff’s ability to communicate with the animals. The book is available from Wiley Blackwell (https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Zoo+Animal+Learning+and+Training-p-9781118968536). We strive to design spaces that elevate acoustical design for people and animals.

While most of our work focuses on the importance of acoustical design for human environments, our Principal of Acoustical Engineering, Erik Miller-Klein, recently contributed to the 2020 book “Zoo Animal Learning and Training”. This modality box explores the importance of understanding acoustics and animal hearing for zoo animal trainers, facility designers, and facilities staff. Through our research, for this book we found that acoustics is a safety issue for zookeepers, because elevated sound levels increase stress hormones in animals and reduce the staff’s ability to communicate with the animals. The book is available from Wiley Blackwell (https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Zoo+Animal+Learning+and+Training-p-9781118968536). We strive to design spaces that elevate acoustical design for people and animals.

The Tenor team uses the 2018 International Green Construction Code (IgCC) from the International Code Council (ICC) as the core acoustical criteria for many of our clients. This recently published document includes a new and expanded Acoustical Control section; pages 54 – 56. This document is based on ASHRAE 189.1 the Standard for the Design of High-Performance Green Buildings. The Acoustical Control section 801.3.3 provides the design guidance 1) Interior background noise levels, which is a combination of mechanical system, building system, and exterior noise intrusion; 2) sound transmission and impact insulation, which defines the acceptable levels of sound isolation and footfall noise impact for both residential and commercial buildings; 3) reverberation time in enclosed rooms; 4) environmental noise from your project to your neighbors; 5) acoustic professionals commissioning or visual inspecting to ensure they meet this high-performance standard.

We are available to educate your team on how to meet these requirements and integrate acoustical solutions into your project.

Contact us to schedule a lunch and learn about this standard and the acoustical performance requirements outlined in other green/sustainable construction standards (LEED v4.1 and WELL Building Standard).

Freakonomics, Episode 439 - “Please Get Your Noise Out of My Ears” https://freakonomics.com/podcast/noise/

This recent podcast from Stephen Dubner takes a deep dive into the power of sound for positive change and how it can negatively impact our health and productivity. Even our founding fathers found the sound of horses and carriages a nuisance during their work writing the Constitution. Share your thoughts or contact us to discuss how we can help you develop grand solutions to your acoustical challenges.

While most of our work focuses on the importance of acoustical design for human environments, our Principal of Acoustical Engineering, Erik Miller-Klein, recently contributed to the 2020 book “Zoo Animal Learning and Training”. This modality box explores the importance of understanding acoustics and animal hearing for zoo animal trainers, facility designers, and facilities staff. Through our research, for this book we found that acoustics is a safety issue for zookeepers, because elevated sound levels increase stress hormones in animals and reduce the staff’s ability to communicate with the animals. The book is available from Wiley Blackwell (https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Zoo+Animal+Learning+and+Training-p-9781118968536). We strive to design spaces that elevate acoustical design for people and animals.