Acoustics Academy launch

[edit] Launch

February 13, 2020 saw the launch of the Acoustics Academy, an online platform showcasing ‘expertly-verified’ acoustic solutions for architects, designers, specifiers, contractors and the wider building sector. Intended to simplify the complex world of sound design, the platform will cover a wide range of applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, health and education.

The launch took place at the Surface Design Show, London.

Hailed as the “first definitive public-champion platform for third-party, expertly-approved acoustic products and solutions”, the Acoustics Academy will make sound design more accessible and easily understood.

It will also provide specifiers with insights into building materials and Quiet Mark-approved products that can offer solutions to unwanted noise in buildings. This includes like-for-like comparisons and product validations that cover performance, design, sustainability, suitability and cost-effectiveness.

Specifiers can understand which products and solutions are likely to meet their requirements. This, it is hoped, will encourage them to take more responsibility for creating environments that promote health and well-being. Such environments are even more essential for those with autism, dementia and people of any age with sensitive hearing who may benefit from acoustic solutions.

Poppy Szkiler, founder and managing director of Quiet Mark said: “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.”

[edit] Presentations

The Acoustics Academy launch event saw presentations from a diverse selection of experts representing architecture and engineering, design, research and manufacturing:

• Poppy Szkiler, founder and managing director, Quiet Mark.
• Colin Ball, lighting director, BDP.
• Richard Grove, acoustics director, BDP.
• Oliver Heath, director and biophilic design consultant, Oliver Heath Design.
• Adrian Passmore, associate director, Arup.
• Ethan Bourdeau, acoustic standard lead, WELL Building Institute.
• Shane Cryer, concept developer (education), Saint-Gobain Ecophon.
• Martin Rawlins, head of UK sales, BASWA Acoustic AG.
• Nigel Sill, CEO, Enfield Speciality Doors.

[edit] Quiet Mark

Quiet Mark (QM) is the international approval award programme associated with the UK Noise Abatement Society charitable foundation. QM engages directly with industry, manufacturers, consumers, retailers and influencers, establishing noise-reduction and acoustic design as key considerations in product development. It also educates consumers on the impact of noise in the home environment through new national retailer partnerships with Argos, ASDA, Currys Dixons, John Lewis, Very, Littlewoods and others, presenting a clear, easy way to identify quieter products.

[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Acoustic consultant.
• Acoustic design for health and wellbeing.
• Airborne sound.
• Approved Document E.
• Ash deafening.
• Audio frequency.
• Acoustic performance.BREEAM
• Building Bulletin 93: acoustic design of schools.
• Building regulations.
• Decibel.
• Flanking sound.
• Impact sound.
• Noise nuisance.
• Pre-completion sound testing.
• Reverberation.
• Robust details certification scheme.
• Sound absorption.
• Sound insulation.
• Sound insulation in dwellings: Part 1: An introduction (GG 83-1).
• Sound reduction index (SRI).
• Sound v noise.
• Structure-borne sound.
• Suitably Qualified Acoustician.

[edit] External resources

• Acoustics Academy
• Quiet Mark