BRC Acoustics and Technology Consulting offers continuing education presentations in Architectural Acoustics, Mechanical Noise Control, Environmental Noise Control, and Code Enforcement Issues.  The presentations for Architectural Acoustics, Mechanical Noise Control, and Environmental Noise Control are registered with the American Institute of Architects Continuing Education System (AIA/CES).  For each presentation attended, AIA members will receive the appropriate number of learning unit hours, reported directly to the AIA/CES by BRC on behalf of the members.   Presentations may be given at BRC’s office or at clients' offices.

All presentations except for Code Enforcement Issues cover Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) subjects  as defined by the AIA.  Presentations last 60 - 90 minutes including a question & answer period.

Presentation Descriptions

Acoustics for Green Design: The focus of this presentation is to address the design conflicts between green design and acoustical performance, illuminate the tradeoffs, and offer design solutions to bridge the gap between green architecture and effective acoustical design. The presentation also identifies materials that not only contribute to acoustical performance, but also support the requirements for LEED® credits such as recycled materials and rapidly renewable resources. (AIA/CES Learning Unit Hours: 1.5 Health, Safety, and Welfare LU Hours)

Architectural Acoustics:  This presentation enables architects, engineers, and designers to recognize acoustical issues associated with various uses of buildings, to interpret acoustical performance data provided by materials manufacturers, and to critically assess requirements for acoustical treatments.  Design factors and structural methods which enhance acoustical performance are discussed and related to acoustical treatments such as sound masking, active noise cancellation, insulation, sound system design, and furnishings (carpets, drapes, wall coverings).  Acoustical considerations for specific types of buildings such as offices, schools, churches, theaters, hospitals, etc. are covered briefly, as are any special subjects desired by the client.  The presentation includes interactive demonstrations of sound properties and noise measuring equipment. (AIA/CES Learning Unit Hours: 1.5 Health, Safety, and Welfare LU Hours)

Multi-Media, Audiovisual, and Sound Systems:  The primary focus of this presentation is the integration of these technology systems with other elements of acoustical design to create a controlled and effective communication environment.  In addition to covering basic elements of systems design, concepts, and criteria, the presentation highlights challenges posed when there are conflicts between system requirements and architectural design goals.  The role of technology systems in meeting accessibility requirements is also discussed.  (AIA/CES Learning Unit Hours: 1.0 Health, Safety, and Welfare LU Hour)

Mechanical Noise Control:  Principally an overview of the acoustical concerns related to machinery, this presentation deals with the characteristics of HVAC installations, location of mechanical rooms, vibration isolation of equipment, designs to minimize interference and annoyance from machinery, and measures available for dealing with existing mechanical noise problems.  Discussion includes the acoustical considerations associated with mechanical systems commonly found in offices and dwellings (e.g. HVAC, elevators, plumbing) as well as heavier machinery at manufacturing facilities, plants, and industrial sites.  The presentation includes interactive demonstrations of sound properties and noise measuring equipment.  (AIA/CES Learning Unit Hours: 1.5 Health, Safety, and Welfare LU Hours)

Environmental Noise Control:  This presentation deals with the general topic of environmental noise control, but may also be tailored for specific environmental noise issues, such as airport noise, traffic noise, industrial noise (e.g. gravel pits, electrical substations), or rail noise and associated building vibrations.  Topics include evaluation of baseline noise conditions, noise control legislation, criteria for evaluating environmental noise impacts, predictive models, noise contour mapping, practical methods of noise assessment, and noise mitigation measures.  (AIA/CES Learning Unit Hours: 1.5 Health, Safety, and Welfare LU Hours)

Code Enforcement Issues:  An overview of state and local code requirements pertaining to Community Noise and criteria for evaluating environmental noise impacts.  Topics include noise descriptors (e.g. A-weighted levels, octave band levels, day-night noise levels), where and how measurements are made, standardization / non-standardization among jurisdictions, zoning, land use, and the relevance of measured values.  NOTE: Presentations dealing with locales outside the greater Seattle metropolitan area may require a charge for additional research. (Not for AIA/CES Credit)

BRC Acoustics and Technology Consulting is an AIA Seattle Corporate Allied Partner.