Acoustics Academy launches with a TED-style Master-class event on February 13th at the Surface Design Show in London
Quiet Mark, the international champion award for quiet high-performance technology and solutions to unwanted noise, today announced the launch of Acoustics Academy. This world first online platform has been developed to showcase expertly verified acoustic solutions for architects, designers, contractors, build-developers, specification-buyers and the wider building sector.
Acoustics Academy presents Quiet Mark approved solutions to unwanted noise to further equip and empower the building sector for every scenario. This includes science-made simple commentary, installation insights for building sector materials and Quiet Mark approved products in consumer and commercial technology sectors.
It is the only definitive public-champion platform for third party expertly approved acoustic products and solutions. Acoustics Academy is also positioned to further educate industry on the complex technical details of acoustic design solutions, making them more easily accessible, better understood and higher priority, while encouraging design responsibility for health and well-being.
By simplifying the complex world of sound design, Acoustics Academy helps this vital industry audience understand and compare the most reliable and best-performing products on the market. This is achieved through like-for-like comparisons and validation of products, which are organised into a master directory for their performance, design, sustainability, suitability and cost-effectiveness.
Acoustics Academy has been developed in partnership with Quiet Mark’s expert acoustic teams including world-renowned acoustic consultants; Anderson Acoustics, Head Acoustics and Intertek, using leading sound measurement expertise to independently review all products equally and condense complex data to provide accessible market comparisons.
The Acoustics Academy framework includes specialist products, materials and technologies. This covers every type of acoustic solution for all building application scenarios including; approved specialist Acoustic Glazing, Sound Barriers, Panels, Pumps, Acoustic Doors, Insulation, Commercial Ventilation, Acoustic Plasters and Surfaces and much more.
Example building application areas include residential, commercial, industrial, schools, offices, healthcare, hospitals, restaurants, and public spaces.
Noise in the building sector
Sound measurement is complicated. It’s almost impossible to know how building or interior designs will sound if acoustics are not carefully considered with many foundational material elements involved. Professionals often don’t know enough about which acoustic products are best to meet the bespoke needs that each building project requires or aware of the latest solutions available to suit their project budgets.
As a result, sound design can often be low on the list of priorities. Products and materials are selected without full understanding of their acoustic performance or the important installation and specification process to make them effective. This leads to poor acoustics in buildings that do not support human health.
The Risks associated with noise pollution
Noise in our built environment can cause short and long-term health problems, including stress, sleep disturbance, increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease, as well as hearing impairment. Our bodies are not designed to cope with these constant intrusions and they take their toll. The World Health Organisation has defined noise pollution as the biggest threat to public health after air pollution.
As a result, the importance of acoustic design cannot be underestimated especially when open plan living means sound bounces around and quickly amplifies in the absence of absorbing surfaces. Building products and materials that are in harmony with nature are vital for calm living, working and leisure environments.
Poppy Szkiler, Founder and Managing Director, Quiet Mark comments: “Acoustics Academy is our new online platform to serve the Building sector by further equipping and empowering architects, designers and industry with expert-approved acoustic materials, products and solutions.“Our buildings must evolve to embrace responsible sound-design to transform living spaces into harmonious soundscapes that deliver excellence in acoustic design and support our desire for quieter living. A property that has been designed acoustically creates a calm environment, reducing stress and supporting mental health.”
