Open Conference Systems, Acoustics Week in Canada 2023

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Teaching architectural acoustics using project-based learning with real-world building projects
Christoph Hoeller, Adrian Bloedt

Last modified: 2023-08-03

Abstract


As part of the master program in civil engineering, students at OTH Regensburg University of Applied Sciences can take an elective course on advanced building physics to deepen their knowledge of heat and moisture performance, energy efficiency of buildings, and architectural acoustics. In previous years, this course was offered as a lecture-based course, with weekly lectures presented by the two authors of this contribution. It was noticed that student attendance and student motivation were not satisfactory. Therefore, the course was redesigned during the last year to focus on group work and to include project-based learning with real-world building projects. For the architectural acoustics part, a recently constructed multi-family dwelling was used as the basis for the project tasks. Students were divided into five groups, each dealing with one aspect of the acoustical planning process: airborne and impact sound insulation; room acoustics; façade sound insulation; noise from building service equipment; and environmental noise. Each group task was carefully designed to include calculations and measurement aspects. Students were supported by selected lectures, small-group tutoring, and during a final “day of measurements”. At the end of the semester, each group presented the methods used for the project tasks and the results. First feedback from students has been positive. Student engagement with the module has noticeably increased. The practice-oriented approach also meant that students experienced real problems in the planning process, for example unknown data, difficult measurement equipment, faulty measurement data, or complex regulations, and how to deal with these problems. This contribution will present details of the project and the positive and negative experiences gained so far.