Metal buildings can invite acoustic problems and solutions can be complicated and costly.  However, the aspects of this building type that promote noise and reverberation – exposed metal, high ceilings, and structural systems – can also be a roadmap to more integrated and cost-effective solutions.  For example, corrugations offer a built-in airspace that improves the effectiveness of acoustic absorption, and questions of quantity can be easily answered with the right calculator. This session will offer straightforward acoustic solutions specifically for metal buildings.

Learning Objectives:

• Discover the basics of acoustics in various types of structures
• Learn the specific acoustic challenges of metal buildings
• Gain knowledge on ways to address the acoustic opportunities unique to metal buildings
• Review case studies addressing unique solutions tailored to metal building structures.

Continuing Education Credits:

1.0 AIA LU HSW

Presenter

Zackery Belanger

Acoustic Architecture Consultant, Cafeteria

Zackery Belanger is an expert in acoustic architecture with over twenty years of experience. He holds Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Physics from Oakland University, and a Master of Science degree in Architectural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He spent nine years with acoustics consultants Kirkegaard Associates, and in 2013 was the inaugural Researcher-in-Residence at the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at Rensselaer – a project he worked on extensively. Over the past decade he has provided consulting services to product manufacturers, architects, building owners, and contractors, along with speaking frequently on acoustics to academia and industry.