Acoustics Books

Three Books Available

Architectural Acoustics Design Guide

Acentech is pleased to offer this book published by McGraw-Hill entitled Architectural Acoustics Design Guide. It is authored by James P. Cowan, with the input of our staff.

Noted acoustician, and co-founder of Bolt Beranek and Newman, Inc., Leo L. Beranek says, "James Cowan has done a masterful job of clarifying the basics of good acoustical design. This book presents design tables and structures, along with drawings and photographs of projects within his firm's experience. This book explains the basic principles of acoustics and offers examples of how they have been effectively incorporated into current architectural design. Such intimate involvement in each project affords the reader a complete picture of how the acoustics was considered."

Developed with over 50 years of international experience by leaders in acoustical design, this resource supplies illustrations, photographs, a generous assortment of working checklists, charts, other project-advancing tools, and innovative solutions to many typical acoustical problems. It is a practical guide to the acoustical tools needed in a wide range of projects from open-plan offices to courtrooms, schools, airport facilities and more. The book's array of case studies offers expert architectural acoustics advice and examples of integrated solutions.

Regarding Sound Ideas
"In short: if you're interested at all in the history of modern acoustics and acoustical consulting in the U.S., it's definitely worth reading."

— From a review: Cross Spectrum Labs Weblog


This book belongs on the bookshelves of all acoustical consultants and researchers everywhere with an interest in the people and the research and consulting that has contributed to the enormous growth of the field since WWII. It should be particularly valuable to anyone contemplating starting their own acoustical consulting firm.

— From a review: Gregory C. Tocci, FASA

If you would like to order Architectural Acoustics Design Guide from Acentech, please fill out the Order Form and enclose it with a check.

Sound Ideas: Acoustical Consulting at BBN and Acentech

Written by Deborah Melone and Eric Wood, Sound Ideas is a collection of personal reminiscences by and about people who came to Bolt Beranek and Newman (BBN) to practice acoustical consulting beginning in 1948. The book highlights the unique culture they established within the firm as well as accounts of the clients and projects that benefited from their consulting. Sound Ideas includes noteworthy professional contributions made by the staff, tracks various spin-off acoustical consulting firms, and ultimately, the transition of the acoustical consulting practice to Acentech Incorporated.

If you would like to order Sound Ideas from Acentech, please fill out and return the Order Form or contact us.

Acoustics from A to Z

Written by Eric E. Ungar.

During the March 1999 joint meeting of the Acoustical Society of America with the European Acoustics Association, held at the Technical University of Berlin, Eric Ungar had the opportunity to visit the Institute of Technical Acoustics of that university. Prominently posted on a bulletin board in a corridor, he found an eleven-page 1958 article which was coauthored by Lothar Cremer, the late former director of the institute. This unusual publication, whose title may be translated as "The ABC of the Acoustics of Buildings," consists of brief verses. There is one verse for each letter of the alphabet; each deals lightheartedly with some aspect of acoustics, each is illustrated by a cartoon structured around the letter, and each is followed by a brief summary of related facts.

Eric was so intrigued with this article's approach that he resolved to translate it and asked the director of the Institute, Professor Michael Möser, to send him a copy. Soon, after receiving the copy, it became clear to Eric that translating the article without losing its basic spirit was beyond his translation skills. So, Eric decided to give up and start from scratch, developing his own verses and discussions, but maintaining the spirit. The result is Acoustics from A to Z.

If you would like to order Acoustics from A to Z from Acentech, please fill out and return the Order Form or contact us.

 

print this page | email this page