Shane Cryer

Architects and designers tend to be ocular, and focus, understandably, on form, light, colour and textures. Sound has none of these elements, yet plays a vital role in the successful function of nurseries, schools, colleges and universities. Inspired aesthetics can be let down by poor acoustics, or enhanced by a little attention to some basic principles.

I love buildings, especially historic buildings. I studied civil engineering and architecture at college, and building and property surveying at university. However, it wasn’t until I joined Ecophon that I was educated on the impact that design has on sound and our ability to learn. I did know that I was sound sensitive, preferring to move out of a busy town to a quiet village in the countryside. I prefer birdsong, waves on the beach and a flowing river to road traffic noise. I also enjoy recreating the positive effect of the outside inside buildings, that would otherwise be noisy and uncomfortable.

Good acoustics are so essential to the success of buildings that specific standards have been developed, and I enjoy writing and presenting on the subject. Even more, I enjoy witnessing the positive effects that an optimal acoustic environment has on the well-being of teachers and students, especially children with special educational needs.