Ballroom

Goal: To create a multi-purpose space that can successfully control noise and can provide an acoustic environment appropriate for meetings and receptions, both large and small.

• Tips/Considerations
  • Recommended reverberation time: 1-1.2 seconds
  • Absorptive materials on the ceiling and/or walls are needed to reduce the reverberation time.
  • Be cautious when designing ceiling intricacies, as they may cause unwanted reflections. Concave, barrel and peaked elements can cause reflections to be focused, which might lead to annoying reflections and noise build up.
  • Operable walls covered with fabric alone do not guarantee absorption.
  • The STC rating of the operable walls only refers to how well an individual panel performs in a laboratory and does not necessarily indicate how well the system will perform in the field. Specifying an NIC rating can help ensure the desired isolation level.
  • Once divided by operable walls, the acoustics in the new space can change.
  • Beware of potential noise impact to your space from exterior sources and/or excessive HVAC noise. To help protect your design, the NC level should not exceed 30 to 40. When specifying NC, specify an actual rating, such as NC 35, rather than a range, such as NC 30-35. Although specifying a lower number will ensure minimal background noise, it might be cost prohibitive to achieve. Be realistic about the amount of acceptable noise and the project’s budget when specifying an NC level.
    
  • Maintain an elegant appearance by addressing acoustical issues during the design phase. Retrofitting after construction will limit your options, possibly impacting the aesthetic integrity of the space.