Dynamic Response are experienced in carrying out acoustic assessments for a range of educational facilities based on the current guidance Building Bulletin 93 (BB93).

Building Bulletin 93 or BB93 is a document used and titled the ‘Acoustic Design Of Schools’. As it sounds it is used when a new build or refurbishment project or development for educational use is considered.

Creating the correct teaching and learning environment is essential as distraction, speech intelligibility and other noise nuisances can disrupt a pupils learning. BB93 covers a large range of acoustic issues within educational developments and can be relevant within primary/secondary schools, colleges, universities and special needs schools etc.

With regard to school acoustics, certain design criteria are vital and as such, the document is separated into the following sections.

• Specification Of Acoustic Performance
• Noise Control
• Insulation From External Noise
• The Design Of Rooms For Speech
• The Design Of Rooms For Music
• Acoustic Design And Equipment For Pupils With Special Hearing Requirements

Some examples of topics covered from above include the control of noise break in from outside, the control of reverberation in teaching areas, the required acoustic performance of separating walls and floors to minimise disruption and the design of music classrooms etc. Parameters other than classroom elements could include that of separating internal door performances, the design of roof’s to minimise rain noise, noise levels from sport activities, external noise in noise sensitive areas and mechanical building services and/or plant noise e.g. British Standard 4142: 1997, ‘Method for Rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas’ etc.

Previously, we have worked on both new build and refurbishment projects addressing multiple acoustic issues within educational environments. It is now common to see clients trying to achieve additional BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) credits for developments which again we aim to provide services to help you achieve any requirement that you may have.

An example of the BREEAM credit depending on the type of educational facility could be the design of medical rooms in accordance with HTM 08-01 (Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics, Department of Health).

We aim to carry out all types of noise survey or assessment in relation to educational developments either before or after constructional works. What ever your requirements regarding acoustics within educational facilities and schools etc, please do not hesitate to contact us.