A total building performance approach to evaluating building acoustics performance

Abstract

Acoustic comfort is an important consideration in the design and construction of office buildings. Since the acoustic performance of a building will affect its inhabitants psychologically, sociologically and physiologically, post-occupancy evaluations of acoustic performance are often necessary to ensure that acoustic design features are effective. Since acoustic quality is often affected by the interplay among the building's interior, structural, envelope and mechanical systems, it is critical to assess acoustic quality in an integrated manner. This article presents a detailed acoustic evaluation of a three-storeyed office building by adopting a total building performance (TBP) approach. Through plan/archive analysis, expert walkthrough, objective acoustic measurements and analysis, the existing acoustic problems are identified. Subjective views of occupants regarding acoustic quality in the office and warehouse spaces are also sought. It was found that both objective and subjective data support each other. By understanding how these problems are caused by the interactions among the different building systems, specific solutions were proposed. In summary, this work highlights the usefulness of using a TBP concept to diagnose the acoustic quality of a multi-storeyed office building in an integrated manner. This project is motivated by an effort to promote workplace comfort and sustainability within the framework of corporate social responsibility. © 2010 Earthscan.