Building acoustics (healthcare): The new AIA interim guideline on acoustics, noise & privacy for hospitals and healthcare facilities

摘要

Every four years since 1947, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with theAmerican Institute of Architects and the American Hospital Association publish a documentcited by U.S. federal agencies, 42 state and innumerable municipalities as the standard forhealthcare facility design and construction. Many adopt the whole document as code. The 2006edition of the AIA Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospitals and HealthcareFacilities appeared in July 2006. Despite its importance, it has never covered noise, acousticsand privacy, an oversight that perpetuates poor acoustical conditions throughout the $1.6trillion healthcare industry, one that is in the midst of the construction initiative in its history.In September 2005, AIA/AHA leaders asked ANSI S12/WG44 to assume responsibility fordrafting a complete “Interim Guideline on Acoustics.” Led by William Cavanaugh, INCE Bd.Cert. (1978), it was completed in record time, submitted in June 2006, and covers all aspects ofacoustics, noise and privacy, and sets performance standards based on existing standards. InAugust 2006, it was released for public comment and must now be carefully considered byacoustics and noise professionals before publication in 2007 and distribution to architects,engineers and facilities managers throughout the healthcare industry.