The way in which a room responds to sound influences both the feel of the space and how suitable it is for speech, public address or music.

Working closely with the design team, we advise on which forms, dimensions and finishes could deliver the best acoustic results. We demonstrate options through 3D acoustic modelling software and the acoustic equivalent of visualisation, called auralization.

We also have the expertise, using EASE and CATT simulation software, to optimise public address, performance and emergency sound systems to the spaces they serve.

For a building to be useable, the design must provide appropriate sound insulation, both between internal spaces and from the external environment.

Our skill is to deliver a level of sound insulation that suits the usage of the space and doesn’t compromise the ambitions of the rest of the design team – whether they be structural, thermal, aesthetic, environmental or the management of cost.

We balance these issues to find an optimum solution, paying particular attention to the detailing of penetrations and flanking junctions that are critical to realising good sound insulation.

Acoustics engineering is an integrated part of the Max Fordham approach, not a consideration that is ‘bolted-on’ late in the design process. Because our Acousticians work collaboratively with other engineers in the practice, we are able to develop optimised solutions that a less integrated method might not find. An example of this is our unrivalled experience in providing natural ventilation solutions on acoustically challenging sites.

This process helps to ensure that acoustic performance doesn’t stand in the way of sustainable design. Just taking the standard approach can result in increased embodied energy and carbon emissions during the building’s lifespan – costing the building user more in the long run. By integrating our solutions with the environmental strategy, we produce pioneering buildings that excel in sustainability, acoustic performance and lowered running costs.

Plant and machinery – everything from pumps and fans to lifts and hoists – help bring a building to life.

Unfortunately, the associated noise and vibration can be disturbing for occupants and neighbours alike.

The role of the acoustic engineer is to control the noise from building services. Our engineering experience means we understand how noise and vibration are created, not just how they are mitigated.

With this understanding we provide efficient solutions that avoid over-engineering; solutions that save space, materials, energy and running costs.

Noise from transportation sources such as roads, trains and aircraft have a considerable effect on the buildings we design. In addition, the buildings themselves can have acoustic implications on the sites that they occupy.

An effective approach that allows us to consider the acoustics for a site and its environs is to create a 3D environmental “noise map”. This can inform the design process to allow for the better configuration of buildings, so noise sensitive areas are located away from sources of environmental noise, as well as the reduction of acoustic interventions.

The next step is to design the building envelope to achieve acceptable levels of noise within the building. We work with the design team to develop acoustic solutions that are consistent with the overall façade design, architectural intent, and the ventilation and thermal strategies.

Particularly large developments or masterplans may require an Environmental Impact Assessment. We are experienced in undertaking these assessments, according to IEMA (Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment) guidelines, and in preparing the Noise and Vibration chapter for the Environmental Statement.

Measurement and testing are critical to evaluating the external noise environment, assessing the acoustic performance of a completed building and for establishing benchmarks that help us to refine and improve our designs.

We can undertake environmental noise and vibration surveys, airborne and impact sound insulation testing and detailed room acoustic measurements such as reverberation times, impulse response and speech intelligibility.

The Max Fordham SoundSpace is a dedicated, full 3D acoustic studio located at our London office.The facility allows the listener to be immersed in the sounds of existing or planned buildings.

Audio within the SoundSpace is manipulated to illustrate the acoustic implications of various design options. If the geometry or surface finishes of a room change, the acoustics will change and you can hear this for the first time in the SoundSpace environment.

SoundSpace has been used for a diverse range of buildings including auditoria, museums, schools and offices. External environments, such as urban soundscapes, can also be reproduced.