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Acoustic Comfort as a Salutogenic Resource in Learning Environments—A Proposal for the Design of a System to Improve the Acoustic Quality of Classrooms

Author

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  • Antonio Laurìa

    (Department of Architecture, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy)

  • Simone Secchi

    (Department of Architecture, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy)

  • Luigi Vessella

    (Department of Architecture, University of Florence, 50121 Firenze, Italy)

Abstract

This article addresses the topic of environmental comfort from a salutogenic and pedagogical point of view. It begins by presenting a wide framework aimed at describing the complexity and specificity of the acoustic issue and the need to integrate decibel-based metrics with knowledge and reflections which are inherent to non-measurable factors. The article then focuses its attention on educational spaces and presents the results of an investigation carried out in 52 classrooms of 19 primary schools in Florence. From this research and keeping in mind the current Italian legislation, the following results are deduced: (1) the layout of a typical classroom, (2) the average reverberation time and (3) the sound-absorbing surface required to improve the acoustic quality of the typical classroom with polystyrene fibre panels. Subsequently, after having briefly described the more appropriate typology of sound-absorbing solutions, a system for the acoustic correction of classrooms is presented. This system is composed of two parts. The first part is fixed and its realisation is entrusted to specialised personnel; the second, based on the concept of personalisation and transformation of the educational space, is modifiable through time and designed and applied by the students themselves.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Laurìa & Simone Secchi & Luigi Vessella, 2020. "Acoustic Comfort as a Salutogenic Resource in Learning Environments—A Proposal for the Design of a System to Improve the Acoustic Quality of Classrooms," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-25, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:12:y:2020:i:22:p:9733-:d:449094
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Simone Torresin & Francesco Aletta & Francesco Babich & Ethan Bourdeau & Jack Harvie-Clark & Jian Kang & Lisa Lavia & Antonella Radicchi & Rossano Albatici, 2020. "Acoustics for Supportive and Healthy Buildings: Emerging Themes on Indoor Soundscape Research," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(15), pages 1-27, July.
    2. Felicia Huppert & Timothy So, 2013. "Flourishing Across Europe: Application of a New Conceptual Framework for Defining Well-Being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 110(3), pages 837-861, February.
    3. Kristian Fabbri & Jacopo Gaspari & Laura Vandi, 2019. "Indoor Thermal Comfort of Pregnant Women in Hospital: A Case Study Evidence," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(23), pages 1-24, November.
    4. Simone Torresin & Rossano Albatici & Francesco Aletta & Francesco Babich & Jian Kang, 2019. "Assessment Methods and Factors Determining Positive Indoor Soundscapes in Residential Buildings: A Systematic Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-23, September.
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    1. Juan Miguel Barrigón Morillas & David Montes González & Rosendo Vílchez-Gómez & Valentín Gómez Escobar & Rubén Maderuelo-Sanz & Guillermo Rey Gozalo & Pedro Atanasio Moraga, 2021. "Virgin Natural Cork Characterization as a Sustainable Material for Use in Acoustic Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-14, April.
    2. Chiara Visentin & Matteo Pellegatti & Maria Garraffa & Alberto Di Domenico & Nicola Prodi, 2023. "Be Quiet! Effects of Competing Speakers and Individual Characteristics on Listening Comprehension for Primary School Students," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-14, March.

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