Why are bars and restaurants sometimes so unbearably loud? So loud that you have to scream at the person across the table to hold a conversation?
The reason is something called “the cocktail party effect.” Imagine you are in a space with a number of other people. You talk. This raises the sound level, so the next person has to talk louder to be understood. Someone else now tries to be understood, plus your voice, plus the other person’s voice. This can escalate …
AD’s own David Kahn was pleased to lead the professional development session “How to Use Acoustics, Design & Staffing to Increase Community Engagement” at the 2020 APAP conference held in New York on January 11th. In addition to David, who serves as President of Acoustic Distinctions, the panelists included Joshua Dachs, Principal at theatre consultancy Fisher Dachs Associates, and Steve Carignan Executive Director at the Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and Ass…