Speaker
Description
Animal Shelters are unique facility types with a range of human and animal user groups. These facilities temporarily house animals until they are typically returned to their owners or adopted. One of the most common species in an animal shelter is the domestic dog, whose bark can be loud and dominates the soundscape. The animal shelter building form, particularly the dog housing configuration, can have a large impact on both the noise within dog housing spaces as well as throughout the entire facility. By looking at acoustic metrics such as Reverberation Time, alpha bar, along with kennel occupancy, bark rate at various times of the day, average and maximum bark level and number of dog barks during the day, one can begin to understand how different shelter designs can impact acoustic metrics. By following the sonic flows, acoustic itineraries, measuring acoustic properties, and understanding the acoustic calendar, we can begin to understand the impact of kennel room configurations on the overall soundscape. Comparisons of three very different facilities can inform interventions in existing facilities across the world in conjunction with animal care best practices.Incorporating knowledge of a range of shelter’s soundscapes allows architects and designers to holistically address the components of the soundscape that can be altered by the physical building.