The Building Performance Hub in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire served as the venue for the IOA Measurement and Instrumentation (M&I) Group’s one-day meeting which focused on building acoustics and attracted significant attention, and reaching capacity shortly after announcements were made. The Good Practice in Building Acoustic Measurements seminar, held on 27 February, aimed to provide in-depth knowledge and practical skills in performing reliable and repeatable building acoustic measurements, essential for the industry professionals in attendance.

The Hub itself boasted impressive facilities that perfectly complemented the day’s activities. It included a 60-seater presentation area, a classroom designed for hands-on exercises, and a transmission suite for practical measurement tasks. These spaces were pivotal in facilitating the seamless flow of the day’s schedule, which comprised four morning presentations plus a panel Q&A, and four practical measurement exercises in the afternoon. The layout supported small group interactions, which fostered an intimate and productive learning environment.

Throughout the afternoon, participants were divided into four groups, rotating between four test stations in the afternoon. This arrangement not only maximized engagement but also allowed for focused discussions and hands-on practice with the equipment, making the theoretical parts of the morning sessions more tangible. The practical exercises ranged from sound source stability and directivity checks to demonstrations of reverberation time measurements and speech intelligibility tests, covering a comprehensive spectrum of acoustical measurement techniques.

The Building Performance Hub proved to be more than just a venue; it was an integral part of the learning experience. Its design and the arrangement of technical resources facilitated a deep dive into acoustic measurement practices. The Hub’s environment, coupled with the structured program of talks and interactive sessions, significantly enhanced the participants’ learning outcomes, helping them understand complex acoustical measurement concepts in a practical setting. The meeting’s success highlighted the Hub’s role not only as a physical space but as a catalyst for professional development and industry advancement in building acoustics.

If you’d like to use The Hub as a venue space, contact admin@thebuildingperformancehub.org