Monash University - Teaching & Learning
Spaces within places.
The flagship Learning and Teaching Building (LTB) for Monash University Clayton Campus is a 28,980 square metre, sustainable 5 Star Green Star, multi-faculty multi-level learning facility designed to deliver to the diverse and ever-changing needs of its vibrant learning community.
When designing the space, John Wardle Architects paid particular attention to creating individual spaces built for purpose, but importantly linked together like neighbourhoods in a city.
Sound design is often the missing acoustic piece of the design jigsaw.
45dB were invited to help lessen the impact of sound flowing between private pods and open-plan areas, where low ambient sound levels were resulting in conversational privacy issues as well as frequent interruption for those seeking quieter work zones.
The study floors 45dB treated consisted of large open-plan spaces with office pods evenly distributed in groups of four. The pod walls were sub-ceiling height, so sound was flowing too freely over the top to surrounding open-plan spaces. By controlling ambient sound levels using adaptive sound masking technology, 45dB were able to reduce speech intelligibility and enhance concentration and privacy for workers both in the pods and outside in the open-plan workspace.
“A lack of base level noise was proving highly problematic. Even the smallest intelligible sounds broke our concentration whilst doing more focused tasks.
The 45dB system really helped to mitigate voice intelligibility which noticeably minimised ongoing distractions. The team were very good to work with and provided excellent customer service”.
Cameron Pettiona – Monash University
state of the art sound
The original acoustic design for this building by Marshall Day Acoustics included a fully integrated sound conditioning system which was deemed during the building process to be surplus to requirements and a cost which could be cut. The resulting space failed and a more expensive retrofit ensued.
Integrated sound design to not only absorb and isolate sound but condition ambient sound level is now an essential component of newbuild and building refurbishment projects.