Common acoustical problems in Fellowship Halls, Foyers and / or Atriums

Acoustics in fellowship halls are impacted by the wide variety of designs and building materials.

As in any room, halls with either a peak or some form of vaulted ceiling will have the advantage of less floor to ceiling reflection and standing waves. Large windows, while desirable, can create a challenging reflective acoustical issue. Padded seating offers an absorptive factor as opposed to hard wood, metal or plastic chairs.

Foyers or atriums, particularly in a church setting, are very busy at peak times.

Church foyers tend to be unique in comparison to concert halls or schools. Church attendees want to talk and engage each other more than in other public buildings. As such we linger longer and communicate more. When services have been particularly meaningful and personally impacting these encounters are more than surface. It is said that as much ministry occurs in these settings as in the worship service itself.

Most foyers, atriums or entrance ways are too small for the size of a vibrant church. Ceilings using T bar drop tiles help reduce the sound energy more than drywall. Even so in situations where ceiling heights are below 13' (4m), the ambient sound level is generally too loud to carry on personal conversation without raised voices which only increases the ambient sound level of the space. Carpet is helpful to reduce the sound of many people moving and to absorb very high frequency, reflected energy.

Acoustic Fundamentals 

In any enclosed space consider walls as amplifiers. The physical dimensions of a room determine the resonant frequency(ies). If the room ratios are divisible into themselves, such as 12' wide x 24' long x 8' high, the wavelength or frequency of that size will be dominant particularly if the same frequency fits within multiple dimensions. This type of design creates a perfect scenario for a standing wave; a frequency or physical wavelength that fits perfectly into the size of the room. This wave reflects back upon itself repeatedly. Standing waves are generally large and powerful. For example a 100 Hz frequency or wavelength has a physical size of around 11' (3.5 m).

These strong lower or bass frequencies will mask up into the speech range. Low or bass frequencies also resonate for a longer time.

Many rooms of this nature are treated with absorption to improve the lack of clarity. However the fundamental powerful frequencies and standing waves remain mostly unchecked. In addition, mid to high frequencies provide clarity for speech articulation. By adding too much absorption, without addressing the problematic fundamental issues, the situation is further compromised and communication is more difficult.

Impact 

Using the correct type of acoustical treatment at specific points in the room the result will be startling clarity and improved speech and music. Diffusers in correct areas, generally on all walls, do the heavy work of eliminating standing waves and strong low frequency wave fronts are broken down. This stops the cycle of fundamental frequencies being free to resonant repetitively. By attenuating these frequencies appropriately the ambient levels are greatly reduced. The harmonic frequencies are now no longer excited and causing reflections. The space will be overall quieter and much clearer in which to communicate.

We would assess a room of this type and apply the correct amount of diffusion and if necessary absorption. Application of these concepts will dramatically change the character and nature of the space. More varied and creative events can occur and occupants will be less fatigued and understand words with less stress.

Go ahead and satisfy your curiosity and contact us today!

Case Study: Little Rock Seventh Day Adventist Church - Arkansas, USA

Type of Room: Fellowship Hall This large space has a ceramic tile floor and peak ceiling starting at a 10' high side wall and extending up into a peak of 24'. Large absorbing panels had been placed on the angled ceiling some years previous. However the wall reflections were still disruptive to the various programs and events that took place in this room.

A variety of CS Acoustic diffusers were discretely added to surrounding wall surfaces to eliminate the problematic reflections. Some units were combined to create diffusers that were almost 22' tall. As a result the noise level in the room is much quieter and conversing is more relaxing.

Let us know if you have a space that should be considered for an innovative approach to acoustics!