Standards Development

Scope

This document presents an integrated process for addressing the acoustical design of spaces in both new buildings and retrofits. The framework introduces acoustical considerations for architectural and engineering purposes and outlines a design process flowchart applicable to all project phases.

This document emphasizes the importance of functional acoustical objectives (e.g., noise and vibration control for comfort, communication, privacy) in the design of buildings. It also introduces acoustical strategies to achieve these acoustical objectives by targeting acoustic criteria and improving the acoustical outcome.

Collaboration among stakeholders is central to the design process, and the framework identifies key responsibilities of an Acoustical Professional. The following document provides content and a framework that:

— integrates acoustics into the process of design through a step-by-step flowchart aligned with phases of the project,

— references methodologies to assess proposed design solutions for meeting acoustical objectives.

This document examines acoustical, noise and vibration design processes and decisions for various buildings and spaces such as: corporate, office, education, hospitals, housing and residential, mixed-use buildings, retail, government, industry, hospitality, churches, restaurants, courtrooms, theatres, concert halls, performance centres, recreational and sports facilities.This document does not include technical requirements, such as specific acoustic criteria for different acoustic metrics.