Universities have been undergoing a profound transformation in recent years, with the adoption of new hybrid teaching and learning modes that combine face-to-face lectures, interactive workshops and distance learning. This change requires university spaces to be better adapted to the needs of modern teaching, and acoustics plays a key role in this process.
Traditional academic classrooms, in fact, are often inadequate for accommodating hybrid activities that require a high level of sound comfort. Large volumes, reflective surfaces and poor soundproofing create difficult acoustic conditions, with excessive reverberation times and difficulties in understanding speech. Such critical issues may compromise the effectiveness of lessons, whether they are done face-to-face or with distance learning.
This case study examines a 363 m3 university lecture hall in need of acoustic correction.
The simulation was carried out by installing 20 Silente 120x120x5 cm sound absorbing panels suspended from the ceiling and 14 panels of the same type mounted on the wall. This targeted configuration allows for a drastic reduction in the reverberation time, going from 4.85 s to 0.81 s, with a sound level decrease of 7.75 dB.
The result is an acoustically optimised space that can best support different teaching methods. Good acoustics enhance learning during lectures, promote discussion and exchange of ideas during workshops and group work and facilitate the recording of multimedia content for distance learning.