Norwegian acoustic building criteria and socio-acoustic study on accessibility for all
Authors
Iiris Turunen-Rindel and Rudolph BrynnSession
E5. Acoustics, touch and spatial experiencesDate and Time
2014-06-18, 10:10 - 10:50Room
MA 7Abstract
Norwegian acoustic criteria for universal design were finalized in 2012 [1]. The work focused on room acoustics and noise conditions suitable for all in public and work buildings. A socio-acoustic survey was conducted among hearing and vision disabled [2]. Their experiences of acoustics in spaces and rooms were applied as a basis for where to focus. The selected criteria are considered more satisfactory for all. Norwegian acoustic classification, given in NS 8175 [1], concerns dwellings, hospitals, schools, kindergartens, offices, work premises etc. Updates were made for these buildings, in specific for open plan teaching environments and open plan offices. Buildings that did not have specified acoustic limits, e.g. museums, lobbies, assembly halls, etc., were evaluated for room acoustics and noise levels. Acoustic quality was defined by measures for reverberation time related to room height, acoustic absorption, noise, speech intelligibility etc. Also, sound amplification systems and devices for assisted listening were applied. NS 8175 contains noise and sound insulation criteria for indoor conditions, outdoor noise nearby buildings and in surrounding outdoor areas. In order to follow up the needs for aging population, children, hearing and vision disabled and others, the relevant criteria were adopted in NS 8175.