Learn how soft surfaces like carpets, curtains and upholstered furniture absorb sound to create a comfortable acoustic environment, a key concept for the LEED Green Associate Exam.
Table of Contents
Question
Which of the following interior items contributes to a comfortable acoustic environment?
A. Soft surfaces
B. Wood cabinets
C. Hollow metal doors
D. Glass cubicle partitions
Answer
A. Soft surfaces
Explanation
Soft surfaces contribute to a comfortable acoustic environment by absorbing sound waves and reducing noise levels. This can include items such as carpets, upholstered furniture, and acoustic ceiling tiles. In contrast, hard surfaces (like wood cabinets, hollow metal doors, or glass partitions) can reflect sound waves and increase noise levels.
Soft surfaces like carpets, curtains, fabric wall panels, and upholstered furniture help create a comfortable acoustic environment by absorbing sound waves. These porous and pliant materials turn the sound energy into heat through friction as the waves pass through, reducing echoes, reverberations, and overall noise levels.
In contrast, hard, dense surfaces like wood, metal and glass reflect a large portion of the sound waves that strike them, contributing to a noisy, echo-prone acoustic environment. While wood cabinets, hollow metal doors and glass cubicle partitions serve important functions, their hard surfaces do not provide the sound absorption needed for acoustic comfort.
By incorporating soft surfaces and other sound-absorbing materials, designers and builders can control noise and create more pleasant acoustic conditions in LEED certified buildings – an important strategy for occupant wellbeing and productivity. Understanding the acoustic properties of different interior materials is essential knowledge for the LEED Green Associate Exam and for creating green buildings that promote comfort and health.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.