In contrast to Advanced Technology Facilities, for which the sensitivities of machines and processes control the noise and vibration design, in Human Environments the design centers on the comfort and safety of occupants. In these settings, human sensitivities determine the design criteria.

Commercial facilities, such as office buildings, convention and conference centers, and data centers often present unique challenges in terms of vibration and acoustical design.  Office buildings, for example, typically house meeting areas where privacy and security is critical.  On the other hand, larger facilities -- such as conference centers -- require good room acoustics for speech intelligibility.  In data centers, the immense heat rejection needs of densely-packed server racks dictates intensive air handling and HVAC systems.  These intensity of these systems means that noise control is mandatory (of course, the vibration criteria for data centers -- as well as the unique structures used to support such large live loads -- protect the equipment more than the personnel). 

Healthcare facilities typically house such vibration and noise sensitive areas as operating rooms, laboratories, consultation rooms, and patient rooms.  Operating theaters require excellent speech intelligibility for patient safety; however, as microsurgical procedures become increasingly common, vibration control is increasingly critical.  Laboratories typically house many noisy and sensitive pieces of equipment and also require special Noise & Vibration Design.  Less technical (but no less important) areas such as consultation and patient rooms should not only provide a quiet place for patients and visitors but should provide privacy, as well. 

Hospitality facilities -- such as hotels, resorts, and recreational facilities -- present technical challenges to both vibration as well as acoustical design.  The most obvious acoustical challenge is providing privacy to guests via good HVAC, wall, and ceiling design.  With the diverse uses such facilities incorporate -- exercise rooms, swimming pools, mechanical rooms, restaurants, etc. -- the need for vibration control often appears.  This is particularly true for structures in which guest rooms are interspersed amongst areas with other uses. 

Educational facilities -- such as libraries, museums, and schools -- often house areas where good acoustical performance is required. For example, lecture halls must be relatively quiet while offering good speech intelligibility.  Likewise, libraries require such low noise levels that special care must be taken in the design of such elements as HVAC systems, windows, and walls while creating an environment where speech does not disturb visitors.  And while most museum patrons will appreciate the low-noise environment afforded by sound acoustical design, museum curators must be concerned also with artifact-damaging vibration in storage and display areas. 

Contact us with your design needs and let us deliver useful and comfortable spaces for your staff, patients, guests, and students via good vibration design and robust acoustical design of HVAC systems, walls, and ceilings.