Colin Campbell
As I recall, my educational experience was very passive and until I studied Interior Design many of my learning opportunities seemed to pass me by. I became much more engaged in my learning during the 4 years studying design, however, it wasn’t until I came across Ecophon that I realised something very profound. The importance of acoustics in everyday design had largely passed me by….
I have been amazed how acoustics affects our well-being, shapes behaviour and especially how we manage spaces in learning environments.
Ecophon basically challenged my thinking and understanding of acoustics in design. Acoustic quality in architecture was transformed in my mind. No longer a luxury for specialist spaces but a commodity and necessity for everyday spaces like schools, hospitals and offices. From the outset, I have been amazed how acoustics affects our well-being, shapes behaviour and especially how we manage spaces in learning environments.
I have been very fortunate to have been involved in many applied research projects and intervention studies. I have discovered along this journey that it is not noise from trains, planes and automobiles which is holding our attainment back, it’s about improving the classroom acoustics that makes an enormous difference. Sound is wanted but noise is unwanted. Noise is a physical stressor and if it is not controlled by acoustic improvements will make it difficult for teachers to thrive in their role of inspiring and motivating their students. Optimising classroom acoustics not only helps students with additional learning needs but helps all the children and their teachers.
I feel very passionate about creating environments to encourage active and collaborative learning, something which is genuinely possible with a good sound environment. I hope to help all the stakeholders involved in the education sector, understand the importance of acoustic design and realise the solutions are an essential investment…. This is what gets me up in the morning!
If you want help, guidance or inspiration to support the creation of a good sound environment, please contact me on colin.campbell@ecophon.co.uk or follow me in social media, see above.
