Acoustical Experiences to Date with Open-Plan Schools

A summary of experiences of Educational Facilities Laboratories with open-plan schools will be presented. In general, fewer acoustical problems have been encountered in practice than were anticipated at the outset of widespread construction of this type. However, an acceptable acoustic environment in an open-plan school is related to certain fundamental planning principles, which will be discussed. In addition to physical factors, there are psychological factors that affect acceptability of the acoustic environment, and these must not be overlooked.