Excellent acoustics and state-of-the-art technology are hallmarks of new Academic Center designed by Ann Beha Architects

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. – July 22, 2014 –  Acentech Inc., a nationally recognized multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting firm, has provided architectural acoustics consulting and audiovisual systems design for Cornell Law School’s recent expansion and renovation. Constructed below grade, the new Academic Center adds three large state-of-the-art tiered classrooms, a new gathering space opening onto a restored courtyard, and a new accessible entrance leading to the Law School’s primary entry lobby.

“A great building has the power to create connections and foster activity, and our new East Wing, with its openness, clarity, and accessibility, is a metaphor for the law and what we aspire for in the law school,” said Stewart J. Schwab, dean of Cornell Law School. “The excellent acoustics and sophisticated classroom technology are important elements to the success of our new law school building.”

Acentech worked closely with Ann Beha Architects to incorporate acoustical treatments that embraced the architectural vision of the rooms. Strategic combinations of sound reflective and absorptive treatments were seamlessly distributed on the ceiling and walls through the use of acoustical plasters and micro-perforated wood finishes. Acentech also provided recommendations toward achieving appropriate sound isolation between the lecture halls and the breakout space, and worked with the mechanical engineer to achieve exceptionally low background noise levels in the halls.

Each lecture hall was designed to include three projectors and projection screens, as well as two large confidence monitors that allow the presenter to see what is displayed on the screens without having to turn around. The lecture halls were also equipped with sophisticated audio systems, including microphones on student desks and suspended from the ceiling, in order to support speech reinforcement and distance learning. Each hall is equipped with a videoconference CODEC (Coder/Decoder) unit for distance learning, and rich media recorders were also installed to enable the recording of classes for later review by students.

About Acentech
Acentech Inc. is a multi-disciplinary acoustics, audiovisual systems design, and vibration consulting firm providing a wide range of services. The company serves a diverse group of clients from its offices in Cambridge, Mass.; Trevose, Penn.; and Los Angeles, Calif. With a professional staff of more than 50 consultants, Acentech is one of the oldest and largest organizations of its type: an unequaled resource to engineers, architects, and designers worldwide. For more information, please visit  www.acentech.com or on Twitter at @AcentechInc.