The acoustical design of buildings to serve the justice system is a multi-faceted task, involving consideration of room acoustics, noise isolation and speech privacy, and noise and vibration control of the building service systems. The acoustics of the courtrooms, judge’s chambers, jury rooms, gymnasia, shops and TV and living areas require acoustical treatment strategies peculiar to these facilities. Interview rooms, offices, chambers and other acoustically sensitive or noisy rooms require careful design and detailing for noise isolation and speech privacy. The control of noise and vibration from building service systems to meet established criteria is required to maintain the integrity of the noise control and speech intelligibility objectives for the facilities.
BKL Consultants Ltd. is well experienced with the acoustical aspects of these facilities having participated on the design teams for the following notable projects:
Calgary Courts Centre
Calgary, Alberta
A one million square foot, 24 storey complex comprising two towers joined by a 129m high atrium, and including a 300 seat ceremonial court, 56 courtrooms, support and administrative facilities and secure prisoner holding areas.
Air India High Security Courtroom
Vancouver, BC
Acoustics, noise isolation and A/V systems design for this $7 million high security courtroom which incorporates a 150 seat gallery, electronic evidence presentation and multi-language simultaneous translation facilities.
Chilliwack Provincial Courthouse
Chilliwack, BC
The first P3 (public private partnership) courthouse facility built in British Columbia, incorporating five courtrooms, judicial chambers and support areas, prisoner holding and commercial office space.