Sound
Vibrations in the air can be perceived as sound, depending on the number of vibrations per second
(Hz) and the intensity with which the air vibrates (dB).
When the air vibrates with sufficient intensity, vibrations from around 16 Hz to around 18,000 Hz can be picked up by human hearing.
Low tones (up to about 250 Hz) are not picked up as well as medium (500 to 2,000 Hz) and high tones.
As we grow older, but also for example because of exposure to excessively loud noises, the sensitivity of our hearing decreases, possibly even resulting in deafness or tinnitus. The speed of sound is approximately 340 m/s.
Sound spreads out in all directions, and is reflected to a greater or lesser extent when it collides with, for example, walls, floors, ceilings and objects. The angle of incidence is equal to the angle of reflection.
In this way, sound spreads though space.
Porous materials can absorb sound, that is to say that the vibrations in the air are partly converted into heat on impact with the material.
The range of human hearing is from around 125 Hz to 2,000 Hz, and sometimes even as high as 4,000 Hz.
For speech, the most important range is from 500 Hz to 2,000 Hz.
Why acoustic enhancement?
The acoustics of a space influence how sound within that space is perceived.
The size of the space, and its intended use, need to be taken into account.
For training, lectures, meetings, speeches and so on, what is said must be clearly heard.
For social occasions such as cocktail parties, receptions and birthday celebrations you shouldn't have to raise your voice to be heard above the background conversation.
Among the cacophony of sounds at a swimming baths, you have to be able to hear if someone is in difficulties.
In workplaces, noise has to be damped down as much as possible to prevent unnecessarily high noise levels and possible hearing damage.
In modern construction techniques increasing use is being made of acoustically ‘hard' materials, because of their low maintenance and durability.
The choice of the type of material largely depends on the location-specific situation, the budget and the architecture, and it is always made together with the customer.