sely together. Acoustical scientists and engineers are using existing research to develop software that replicates acoustical conditions in and recommends solutions for these open-plan spaces. Jonathan Kemp of Cambridge Sound Management in Cambridge, MA (jdkemp@cambridgesoundmanagement.com) will present a computerized modeling tool that allows architects and acoustical consultants to maximize speech privacy in open-office spaces while minimizing the cost and complications of implementing their design. In a map of a simulated open-office plan, the tool graphically displays real-time calculations of the "Speech Privacy Index," a quantitative measure of how much speech can be heard in a given environment. The calculator takes into account such variables as partition type, ceiling height, the presence of environmental sounds, and the addition of masking sounds that can obscure speech. It also determines the quantitative conditions likely to cause distractions for an office worker. According to Kemp and colleagues, the Open Office Privacy Calculator has been validated with measured data and through comparison with existing models for predicting speech privacy. (1pAA9)

SALT LAKE CITY SOUNDS

Acoustical consultant Sarah Rollins (sarahr@yantis.com) will discuss interesting acoustical properties in the Salt Lake Tabernacle and Latter-day Saints (LDS) Conference Center. The elongated domed ceiling of the Tabernacle, she says, creates audible sound focusing effects throughout the hall. (4aAA3). The LDS Conference Center contains the largest theater-style auditorium in the world (21,333 seats). In a special session at the Conference Center on Wednesday morning (June 6), John Longhurst, senior organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir (longhurstjt@ldschurch.org) will discuss and demonstrate the Conference Cente
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Contact: Ben Stein
bstein@aip.org
301-209-3091
American Institute of Physics
15-May-2007

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