Date of Defense
4-2009
Department
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Tycho Fredericks
Second Advisor
Dr. Koorosh Naghshineh
Abstract
The acoustics of a classroom dramatically affects the learning environment. Heating ventilation and air conditioning of the space is liable for excessive background noise contributions, which inhibits communication between occupants. An interdisciplinary approach to correct the poor sound quality in a classroom was taken to improve its acoustic environment. Sound pressure measurements were made throughout the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences at Western Michigan University. The ergonomics classroom was selected as a testing classroom. For this classroom, background sound pressure measurements were measured and occupants were surveyed before and after implementation of design to determine if a more comfortable learning environment was created. Absorption materials were added to reduce the background noise and to modify the reverberation time of this classroom. The implemented design added absorptive material to the classroom, achieved a reduction in reverberation time.
Recommended Citation
Gutierrez, Krisana and Pliskow, Jay, "Assessment and Treatment of Poor Acoustics in a Classroom" (2009). Honors Theses. 2068.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/honors_theses/2068
Access Setting
Honors Thesis-Campus Only