The AODA has standards for the design of public spaces, but no standards for accessibility in other built environments. However, the Third Review of the AODA recommends improvements to all standards and laws governing buildings and public spaces. In addition, the review recommends that future AODA standards should align with existing standards in other parts of the country. For instance, Accessibility Standards Canada (ASC) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA Group) have developed federal standards for accessibility in the built environment. Future AODA standards may include some or all of these guidelines and requirements to make buildings more accessible. In this article, we explore guidelines in the federal built environment standards for accessible acoustics in buildings.
Accessible Acoustics in Buildings
Acoustics, or the way sound moves through space, is a crucial design element in buildings. Some people use sound queues as landmarks to navigate their surroundings. For example, people may listen for the sound of:
- A cash register, to find the checkout line in a retail store
- Popcorn popping, to find the concession stand at a movie theatre
- Utensils clattering and people talking, to find:
- The entrance of a restaurant
- An outdoor public eating area
- Children laughing and shouting, to find an outdoor play space
- An audio announcement, to find the bus they are looking for
On the other hand, some sounds are distracting. For example, echoes or loud music make it difficult to determine where certain sounds are coming from. These acoustic designs and choices reduce people’s ability to navigate or talk to others, and compromise people’s comfort in other ways. Good acoustics help people find the sounds they need, and minimize the sounds that could distract them.
Therefore, designers planning buildings should include sound insulation and other materials that absorb sound. Floors, walls, and ceilings should include these materials.