Environmental Product Declaration - Steel Specialty Products: Click here to download.

       Acoustics in Open Office Situations

       This white paper outlines the importance of acoustics in open office spaces. 

       Click on the picture to the left or here to download.

    Acoustics in Restaurants

       This white paper outlines the importance of acoustics in restaurants. 

       Click on the picture to the left or here to download.

Acoustics in Healthcare Environments White Paper

This white paper draws from a wide variety of research to outline the necessity for good acoustics in healthcare environments.

A study conducted by Busch-Vishniac et al. in 2005 found that sound pressure levels in hospital environments have risen significantly and consistently since 1960. On average, daytime levels have risen 0.38 dB and nighttime levels have risen 0.42 dB—each year. Many sounds present in hospital environments can be severely irritating and at times harmful to patients, requiring acoustic solutions that are part of a careful, strategic design. Specific acoustical considerations in healthcare settings include supporting patient well-being and privacy; supporting communication among staff; and meeting standards and regulations (e.g., HIPAA).

Click on the picture to the left for the complete paper.

Click here for a short summary flyer.

ACOUSTICS IN SCHOOLS WHITE PAPER

Acoustics in Schools is a tool for architects, interior designers, and other design professionals who work to improve school environments for all users. It is an introduction to the acoustical issues commonly confronted on school projects. Literature on this topic, gathered by CISCA, overviews important acoustical considerations in schools. Practical design responses to these issues are presented in this white paper in “practitioner-friendly” language. Original sources and a glossary of terms are also included to provide further information.

Click here for a one-page flyer you can publish on your website.  Click on the picture to the left for the complete paper.

Click here for a short summary flyer.

The Life Cycle Study:  Suspended Ceilings vs Open Plenum

New research from CISCA reveals that suspended ceilings can significantly reduce a building's lifetime operating costs through energy and maintenance savings. Our report, "Life Cycle Study: Suspended Ceilings vs. Open Plenum" shows that even though suspended ceilings cost more initially, they can achieve a life-cycle payback in less than 11 months over open-plenum (exposed) designs, depending upon the building type and the region. Suspended ceilings were shown to lower energy costs by 9% to 17%.

The CISCA Life Cycle Study is modeled on two different building types (office and retail) in five different markets, reflecting differences in energy costs, construction/installation costs and climate zones.  Markets included Charlotte, Chicago, Oklahoma City, Orlando and Phoenix.

Click on the picture or here for a copy of the highlight brochure. Click here to download the complete study.

Suspended Ceilings and Integrated Services

This document provides an overview of how suspended ceilings and integrated systems, such as sprinkler systems, lighting, and mechanical services can be incorporated into the ceiling design. This document identifies critical considerations and is intended to promote discussion between the architect, professional team, manufacturer, general contractor, and installer to help mitigate the risks on all parties and ensure a successful project.

Click here to download.