Colin Worrich
Associate Principal
Acentech provided acoustics consulting for the renovation and expansion of the John C. Hitt Library at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. Originally constructed more than 50 years ago and renovated multiple times over the decades, the library was reimagined to better support the evolving needs of one of the nation’s largest universities.
The transformed library boasts more daylight and balances collaboration areas with spaces for focused study, offering open lounges, quiet reading areas, classrooms, group study rooms, technology-rich learning environments, and a café. Upper floors accommodate special collections, archives, and administrative offices for 10 different departments.
Working with Steinberg Hart, Acentech developed acoustical solutions for room acoustics, sound isolation, and mechanical systems noise control throughout the facility, with a particular focus on the fourth-floor technology studios. A small recording suite used for producing podcasts is isolated acoustically but still maintains a visual connection to the fourth-floor open seating area.
Together, these acoustical solutions support a wide range of learning, research, and creative activities while providing the appropriate sound environment for every space. The result is a flexible, contemporary library designed to meet the needs of today’s students, faculty, and staff.