Acoustic Principles of a Hotel

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nAcoustic Principles of a Hotel

nIntroduction

nBuilding acoustic refers to the science of preventing noise in structures such as hotels. In this regard, it encompasses the reduction of noise transmission in the hotel room and the management of the sound characteristics within the room spaces (Ismail 2). Hotel acoustics are vital features in the construction, operation and design because they have a substantial productivity, communication and health. Furthermore, in hotels, sound quality is a very crucial feature because it ensures that customers enjoy their stay (Swanson 1). Hotels must preserve the confidentiality and privacy as well as discreet conversations in different areas. It is advisable to control ambient levels of unnecessary sounds and establish a warm and quiet living environment.

nBasic Acoustic Principles of Hotel

nThe first acoustic principle when designing and constructing a hotel is to give first priority to acoustics instead of thinking about it last. Efficient control of sounds helps to reduce unwanted transmission of sound and enhances sound quality. Therefore, paying attention to acoustics in hotel construction should never be an afterthought. An enjoyable guest hotel depends on the architect or designer ability to integrate acoustic planning into the initial design procedures (Swanson 1). The second hotel acoustic principle calls for determination of the effect of different sources sounds within the building. Some of these entail traffic and crowd noises, closing and opening o doors, and group discussions or conversations. Therefore, the architect should focus his/her efforts in sound control in specific areas where noise may be a problem (Ismail 3). For instance, there should be creation of a quiet and calm ‘oasis by casing walls in acoustic panels or covers. Similarly, the ceiling can be lowered over the check-in counter and reservations desks. Similarly, the effects of elevator bells and ringing telephones as well as buzz of customers conversing in bar should be mitigated with upholstered seating, carpet, artwork and acoustic panel (Jaramillo and Steel 10).

nThe third hotel acoustic principle demands that the architect must break up a big area with a coffered ceiling. Precisely, fluctuating heights assist in breaking up the waves of sound. Introducing wings or baffles and curved sections contribute to sound control. The goal of this principle is to deflect these waves and to control echoes that take place in huge, high-ceilinged area (Swanson 2). The fourth principle encourages use of absorptive panels when designing and constructing hotels flat ceiling. The ceiling should be sheathed with bamboo or cork, float pieces of textured fabric or carpet in different areas. In addition, it is important to use absorbent sheets or banners that hang vertically from the hotel ceiling (Ismail 5).

nChallenges in Hotel Acoustics

nHotel acoustics face a wide range of challenges in an effort to control sound levels. One of the major problems in hotel acoustic is inability to control background levels of noise. Moreover, acoustic challenges in hotels linked to bad coordination that is, not incorporating the acoustical valuation for spaces in the right hotel development stage. Consequently, it becomes difficult for architects to resolve (Swanson 3). The actions to be carried out at this period dimensions are normally costly and unavoidable particularly when hotels in the majority of instances are building in dense urban centres or are integrated in complex commercial or business places. In urban centres, heavy traffic flow produces huge levels of noise, which exceed the recommended levels for development of hotels. Most hotels acoustics are unable to break-up noise from the external sources such as traffic (Ismail 2). Similarly, internal building issues also lead to various problems in the acoustic control because the mitigation mechanisms in hotels are no-exist.

nHistoric Solutions to Hotel Acoustic

nIt is crucial to introduce solutions to hotel acoustics. Some of the historic solutions to hotel acoustic are using sound insulation and sound absorption (Jaramillo and Steel 10). Sound insulation is traditionally used to interrupt the paths of sound transmission. It also blocks the sound paths. The sound insulation in a suitable conventional hotel is normally in the order of 46 dB Dw (Ismail 6). Therefore, in case the level of sound in the source area is approximately 66dB the sound level in the receiver room or adjacent room can be about 20 dB, which is hardly audible.

nSound insulation is a historical method that is used to explain the loss of sound level across a partition. The Dw indicates the sound insulation between on-site rooms. However, the architects should observe the building regulations that are used for construction and design of a hotel with regard to sound passage (Ismail 7). Moreover, sound absorptions mechanism offers a solution because it facilitates sound energy loss when waves interact with absorbent material such as objects, floors, walls and ceilings hence the sound is not deflected to the room. Therefore, acoustic absorption materials can be utilized to minimize reverberations times. Some of the absorbent materials that can be used for hotel acoustic purposes include open-celled form (Jaramillo and Steel 11).

nAreas of Innovation

nOne of the areas of innovation when sorting out acoustic issues in hotels is to design and construction is to choose a suitable location. Consequently, proper location helps to mitigate noise and echoes. Moreover, it helps to reduce the cost required for purchasing acoustic materials (Ismail 2). Furthermore, innovative ways also call for greater consideration in acoustic design from the initial stages of hotel project. The shape and sizes of the rooms should be considered by they strongly determine the hotel acoustics and should be factored in the processed of space design (Swanson 3). For instance, innovative architects evade designing round rooms. Therefore, they are encouraged to select appropriate shapes that can lead to many problems. Creative designers use noise-lessening panel along large hallways, next to elevator banks, and at registration counters.

nAesthetics and Space Planning

nThe architectural design of a hotel should also incorporate other important features such as space planning and aesthetics. The experience of the customer regarding aesthetic values and spaces establishes their sense of excitement and promotes their loyalty (Jaramillo and Steel 10). However, elements used to enhance aesthetics must incorporate the component of acoustical components. For instance, shaping designs of rooms and ceiling should not only enhance hotel acoustic properties but should maintain aesthetic component (Swanson 4). Essentials such as mouldings, pillars, upholstery, draperies and indoor plant should not only entice the guests but should be made of materials that strengthen sound absorptions and sound insulation.

nThey must be textural colourful and artistic. Similarly, space planning is important in areas where speech intelligibility such as conference rooms and meeting rooms are important. Moreover, good hotel acoustics should be accomplished by proper designing and planning of hotel rooms (Ismail 9). The space should be planned in such a way that they do not encourage noise transfer from adjacent areas and background noise.

nConclusion

nThe main goal of appropriate design solutions for acoustic hotel is to offer acoustic aspects across the spaces of the hotel. In this regard, it ensures the best quality of recuperation and rest for guests. Moreover, provision of effective acoustic features helps to offer a sense of excellent hospitality (Swanson 10). Therefore, acoustic design in a hotel should offer standards aimed at minimization of noise and step down of internal high level of noise and airborne insulation of sound between spaces (floors and walls) (Jaramillo and Steel 13). Furthermore, the best design of a hotel should ensure that wall surfaces are made up of at least 10-20 per cent of spaces with sound-absorbing materials.

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nWork Cited

nIsmail, Mostafa Refat. “Acoustics Hotel Design criteria and challenges in EGYPT.” The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 3.2 (2010): 87-99. Print

nJaramillo, Ana M., and Chris Steel. Architectural Acoustics. Routledge, 2014. Print

nSwanson, David C. “Architectural acoustics: Principles and practice.” The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America 128.2 (2010): 953-954. Print