Acoustic improvements at the 1000-seat Aula Maggiore R. Franceschi hall at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy, were urgent because of the wide surface area of the street-facing glass facade, which can result in high reverberation levels and, consequently, poor noise control. Uncomfortable lecture hall acoustics reduce speech intelligibility and compromise the focus and well-being of students and faculty who spend long stretches inside, creating a need for extreme voice intensities.
To provide both student and speaker comfort, 450 square metres of the monolithic ceiling solution Rockfon Mono Acoustic were installed, creating a slender look and tidily hide HVAC components – transforming and optimising the acoustics of the lecture hall.
The Installation of Rockfon Mono Acoustic
Rockfon Mono Acoustic is delivered as a 40mm stone wool panel, filler, and render, and can be curved to as little as 1500mm across its radius. It can be installed sloping, flat, curved, or domed, and is available for both suspended grids and direct installation.
Installed by SVS, the process began with a thorough acoustic analysis of the environment, followed by the creation of a custom false beam structure to adapt Rockfon Mono Acoustic to the complex ceiling geometry. This initial phase was crucial and relied on 3D simulations. A mock-up was then created to test the solution before final installation.
Finally, the panels were installed both horizontally and vertically, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing and functional result in line with project expectations. "The surface appears uniform despite the request for a custom and unique colour, and the acoustic absorption effect matches the project specifications and desired performance during testing". A combination of spotlights and recessed ceiling fixtures were integrated, significantly contributing to the final look.
Transformed Acoustics in Lecture Hall Design
The Class A acoustic performance of Rockfon Mono Acoustic (αw:0.90-1.00), independently tested in certified laboratories using measurements in accordance with ISO 11654, reduces noise and reverberation in a space to optimise acoustic comfort.
Following the installation of Rockfon Mono Acoustic, the lecture hall not only meets the highest acoustic standards but also exemplifies how design and technology can come together to develop spaces that enhance quality of life and learning.
