AV Consultancy for University of Greenwich Teaching and Learning Spaces Project
At the outset of the project, we review the listing description, heritage statements and architectural proposals to identify protected elements and understand where constraints on fixings, penetrations and alterations will apply.
Baseline acoustic testing is undertaken early in the process to establish the existing performance of the space. This primarily includes measuring reverberation time, but can also include airborne sound insulation between adjacent rooms, background noise levels from both external sources and building services, and identifying any flanking paths or weaknesses in the existing construction. These measurements allow us to quantify the gap between current conditions and the standards required for the University’s teaching environments, and to advise the design team and client on what level of improvement is realistically achievable within the limitations of the historic fabric.
Working closely with the architect and conservation team, and liaising as necessary with conservation officers and representatives of Historic England, we develop acoustic strategies that balance performance with heritage sensitivity. In many listed teaching spaces, excessive reverberation is a primary issue, particularly in rooms with high ceilings, hard plaster finishes and large areas of glazing. Rather than introducing visually intrusive or destructive interventions, we explore solutions such as carefully positioned acoustic rafts with minimal fixings, wall-mounted absorption located to avoid decorative features, or on non-heritage walls. For sound insulation improvements, independent lining systems or enhanced door seals may be introduced in a way that minimises impact on historic fabric and can be removed in the future if required. Acoustic calculations and predictive modelling are used to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposals and to support listed building consent submissions where necessary.
As the design develops, detailed coordination with the mechanical, electrical and AV designers becomes critical. Teaching spaces are highly sensitive to background noise and speech intelligibility, and poorly integrated services can easily undermine otherwise robust acoustic solutions.
We review plant selections, set internal noise criteria, assess duct layouts for potential cross-talk and flanking transmission, and specify attenuation where required. Collaboration with the AV designer ensures that reverberation control, loudspeaker positioning and room geometry work together to achieve clear speech without relying on excessive amplification.
We engage with the contractor throughout the construction phase to ensure that the intent of the design is maintained. Site inspections are undertaken to review the installation of acoustic linings, door seals, service penetrations and junction details, with particular attention to workmanship that could compromise performance. Where heritage constraints limit certain construction methods, we work proactively with the contractor to find compliant and practical alternatives that protect both the building and the acoustic objectives.
On completion of the works, we carry out post-installation acoustic testing to verify that the required standards have been achieved. The results are documented in a formal report for the client and, where required, to discharge planning or listed building conditions. Through this process, we ensure that the refurbished teaching spaces not only respect and preserve their historic character, but also deliver a comfortable, intelligible and compliant acoustic environment suited to modern educational use.
