There are a number of environments to consider with the education sector, classrooms and breakout areas, sports halls and canteens, lecture halls and open learning landscapes, all these areas require careful consideration during the build process or as a retro-fit solutions for acoustic treatment. the term 'Noise' is used loosely to represent any sound that may have an impact on a student, a students productivity or ability to learn. 

The aim is not to create a silent environment, as this can be equally detrimental. A study found ambient noise or background noise to be good for creativity, whereas extreme quiet was better for focused work. In most learning environments, striking that balance between noise and silence provides the best possible working environment.

• By adding absorption, the reverberation in the room is reduced and this ensures better sound quality and increased intelligibility. This is the basis for comfortable acoustics.
• Noise is bad for the mood. A good acoustic environment produces less fatigue and less stress. Ultimately resulting in less absence due to sickness.
• With good acoustics you have less trouble with environmental stimuli. It takes less energy for your brain to concentrate on your work or an instruction. Each distraction takes 8 minutes to return to your concentration arc.
• Less fatigue, more rest for your brain. Improved intelligibility so that the teacher's message reaches students better. All this together results in better performance. Happy teachers, pupils and parents.

Treatments to consider - The correct ceiling type, suspended baffles, acoustic rafts, timber slats, suspended or drop ceiling tiles all absorb noise, reduce reverberation, and prevent sound from travelling to adjacent areas. Acuphon's acoustic screens, learning pods, dividers or even partition wall systems act as barriers to prevent noise from passing through to other areas in a similar way to a full wall. In addition our range of acoustic baffles or fabric covered acoustic panels absorb unwanted reflective noise. Carpeted floors with an acoustic underlay treatment will reduce foot-fall noise between floors, effectively ending it before it begins.

When tackling the complex area of acoustics e.g. as part of an new build or refurbishment project, it is important to bear in mind that ceilings, walls and flooring need to be addressed as a cohesive whole - one improvement will not necessarily work well in isolation, and retrofitting further solutions at a later date will add unnecessary install costs.