Working as a team
One of the first site visits should include a meeting with the contractors and contract administrator so everyone can go through the design and identify where acoustics can be affected. The discussion should review the design and determine where the obvious acoustical problems could arise such as conduits in walls that are not always visible on the drawings.
All the details should be outlined before the project begins because it is imperative the treatments be outlined in the contract. Acoustics contract administrators can only administer what is in the contract. By taking the time to outline a detailed plan that includes the acoustical treatments, it will ensure the design vision is realized without compromising the acoustics.
Record the details
The contract should include all the details of a project. It is difficult to administer a project and make recommendations if the initial scope or budget is incomplete. Good acoustics may require additional work and increased budget, so one must be prepared before construction begins.
Develop a strong relationship with acoustical consultant
Every project requires experts to complete. By partnering with the acoustical consultant, one can avoid common sound-control myths and learn from any educational opportunities that arise during a project. Knowledge can be carried forward into new construction projects.
Open communications
With so many people responsible for completing a construction project, pressing timelines, and limited budgets, it is important to know where there is flexibility in the system. By working together, the design team, contractor and contract administrator can consider all points of view to find a solution to any issues.
Having regular reviews and input from an experienced acoustics contract administrator can head off the problems before they lead to expensive repairs after completion. Ultimately, acousticians strive to have their work go unnoticed. Success is having acoustics completely integrated into the design of the building so its effects can be enjoyed, but not seen. This cannot be accomplished by acousticians alone. It requires significant collaboration between the architects, contractors, engineers, designers, and contract administrators, as well as building owners, to deliver a successful finished product that resonates.
Kiyoshi Kuroiwa, P.Eng., created and leads Aercoustics’ contract administration department. He is responsible for the acoustic design and contract administration of architectural projects such as the Aga Khan Museum and Ismaili Centre in Toronto and Simon Fraser University School for the Contemporary Arts in Vancouver. Kuroiwa has applied his experience playing piano and percussion in orchestras to the acoustical design of projects. He can be reached at kiyoshik@aercoustics.com.
