Conceptual framework of acoustic comfort design enablers for a classroom: A systematic review

• Published in: Journal of Building Engineering 2024-10, Vol.95, p.110160, Article 110160
• Main Authors: Razali, Abdul Wafi, Che Din, Nazli Bin, Yahya, Musli Nizam, Sulaiman, Raha
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acoustic parameter; Classroom acoustic comfort; Conceptual framework; Design enabler
• ISSN: 2352-7102; 2352-7102
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110160

Effective communication between instructors and students is crucial for facilitating the teaching and learning process. Multiple studies have demonstrated that classroom acoustic conditions impact students' academic achievement and the teachers' overall well-being. The acoustic comfort of a classroom is impacted by multiple aspects that must not be disregarded. Although there have been several studies on classroom acoustics, there is a shortage of thorough reviews that examine the impact of design factors in predicting acoustic quality. The aim of this study is to develop a conceptual framework for classroom acoustic comfort that encompasses the objectives of i) identifying various design enablers that may contribute to optimal acoustic comfort for learning purposes and ii) analysing the influence of each design enabler on significant acoustic parameters for classrooms. An analysis of 74 publications was carried out to examine the effects of various classroom design factors on acoustic performance. The study identifies six design enablers for classroom acoustic comfort: material, volume, layout, amplification system, noise, and occupancy and five acoustic parameters: reverberation time, background noise, signal-to-noise ratio, speech transmission index and speech clarity. A conceptual framework is proposed for designers, researchers, and end-users to consider the enablers’ roles in creating an optimal classroom learning environment. •Acoustic comfort is an essential factor in determining the effectiveness of auditory learning in a classroom.•Several acoustic guidelines were developed to provide ideal classroom acoustics quality.•Reverberation time, background noise, and speech transmission index are the primary parameters evaluated for determining classroom acoustic comfort.•Six (6) design enablers and five (5) acoustic parameters for classroom acoustic comfort were analysed.•The proposed conceptual framework of classroom acoustic comfort is beneficial for researchers and practitioners.