Previous studies have indicated that noise in hospitals can present challenges for patients and staff such as sleep disruption and increased stress symptoms. However, few studies have looked more holistically at the built environment to include evaluations of aspects in addition to noise, such as lighting, thermal comfort, and air quality. In this study, built environment measures and staff perception surveys were conducted in two units: a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a pediatric medical-surgical unit (MedSurg). Results were evaluated to understand physical and perceptual differences based on the time of day, type of unit, and location within the unit. Results revealed interesting trends about acoustics and the built environment. For example, perception of noise, lighting, thermal comfort, and odor differed depending on the location within the unit (nurse stations, patient rooms, and corridors). Many perceptual results tracked with trends in the built environment measures. For example, day shift workers were significantly more annoyed with noise. Likewise, acoustic occurrence rates were generally found to be higher during the day, indicating the units were louder more often in the daytime with shorter periods of restoration. Viewed holistically, these findings reveal potential opportunities to improve the overall built environment in hospitals.
The Holtschneider Performance Center in Chicago packs an enormous program onto a limited urban site. The largest of the four performance halls in this new home for DePaul University's School of Music is the 535-seat Concert Hall. In response to a limited footprint and a broad program of performance types, Kirkegaard devised a simple but innovative acoustical approach to the room. A single massive plaster cloud hovers in the center of the hall, supporting onstage communication and providing first reflections to the audience. The large gap between the cloud and the perimeter walls integrates the extensive volume above the ceiling with the main volume of the hall. Extensive banners above the cloud are intended to “turn off” the upper volume, effectively converting the hall from a concert hall to a recital hall. More conventional curtains and banners below the cloud allow further fine tuning of the room's acoustics. The Concert Hall is well isolated acoustically from the rest of the 3 storey music building and exterior city noise by 18” thick concrete walls, concrete roof, and a continuous structural acoustic isolation joint.
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