Acoustics Consultancy for new Interpretation/Language lab and Multimedia/TV Studio at the American University of Sharjah, UAE
Drama by Design was appointed as acoustic consultants for the design of new interpretation laboratories and a green screen TV studio in Sharjah, UAE. Working closely with the architect and wider design team, our role was to ensure both facilities delivered the levels of acoustic clarity, control, and isolation required for specialist teaching and broadcast-quality production.
From the earliest design stages, we collaborated with the architect to shape the room layouts, construction strategies, and spatial adjacencies to support strong acoustic performance. Careful consideration was given to the positioning of noise-sensitive spaces within the building to minimise risk and reduce reliance on reactive solutions later in the project. By integrating acoustic thinking into the architectural concept, we helped ensure performance requirements were embedded within the fabric of the design.
For the interpretation laboratories, achieving excellent speech intelligibility and acoustic separation was essential. We developed sound insulation strategies to prevent transmission between booths, teaching areas, and adjacent spaces, providing detailed advice on partition constructions, glazing, doors, and junction detailing. We also established target reverberation times and recommended internal finishes to control reflections and create clear, distraction-free communication environments.
Within the green screen TV studio, the focus was on delivering a controlled acoustic environment suitable for recording and broadcast. We designed enhanced sound isolation measures to limit external noise ingress and vibration transfer, and we provided guidance on controlling building services noise to meet stringent background noise criteria. Internal acoustic treatments were carefully considered to balance absorption and control reflections, ensuring flexibility for different production setups while maintaining high sound quality.
Advanced 3D acoustic modelling and predictive analysis were used to test design proposals and refine material selections before construction. This allowed the team to visualise how sound would behave within each space, optimise reverberation performance, and address potential issues early, reducing risk and safeguarding quality.
Throughout the project, we worked as an integrated member of the design team, coordinating closely with the architect, MEP engineers, and AV specialists. Regular collaboration ensured that acoustic requirements aligned with architectural intent, technical systems, and operational needs. The result is a suite of interpretation labs that provide clear, focused communication environments and a green screen studio that delivers reliable, broadcast-ready acoustic performance — spaces where architectural design and acoustic precision work seamlessly together.
