In this study, we first point out the possible acoustic problems associated with the post-pandemic operation of built environments. Particularly, we focus on the problem of acoustic deficiency due to the lack of absorption. This deficiency, which is likely to be encountered in most enclosed spaces in a range of establishments, is due to the reduced number of audience members or users of the space as a result of social distancing. As one of the promising solutions to this problem, we introduce a sound absorption technique using three-dimensional space sound absorbers developed through our recent research projects. Significantly, the type of sound absorber propose herein is made of materials that are especially suited to hygiene considerations. The materials are microperforated panels (MPPs) and permeable membranes (PMs), both of which are easily washable and sanitised. Furthermore, we point out that three-dimensional MPP or PM space absorbers possess the additional value of aesthetic designability.
Content
Author and article information
Journal
Title:
UCL Open: Environment Preprint
Publisher:
UCL Press
Publication date
(Electronic preprint):
22
October
2020
Affiliations
[1
] Environmental Acoustics Laboratory, Department of Architecture, Grad. School of Engineering,
Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons
Attribution License (CC BY) 4.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/, which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided
the original author and source are credited.
Data availability: The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.