Acoustical design of special purpose rooms in schools: Cafeterias and cafetoriums

Design strategies for cafeterias and cafetoriums in elementary, middle, and high schools based on an impulse response-based theory are presented through a series of case studies of existing, renovated, and designed rooms. The strategies include use of sound absorbing materials to control noise build-up for dining areas; integrated design of stage, canopy, shells (where used), and sound reinforcement systems to project sounds to the audience in a multi-use situation; controlling room volume and absorption to allow early sound reflections for clear hearing; providing for clear verbal communication between teachers and students with the audience; and limiting background and intruding noise levels. The impulse response-based measures are reduced to a series of architectural systems that can be implemented using alternate construction systems to meet budget requirements. Standard design concept sketches communicate the intent of the acoustical design to architects, school board members, design builders, and music faculty.