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  1. Comfort
  2. Reverberation time

Reverberation time

Features>Comfort>78. Reverberation time

78. Reverberation time

In spaces with high reverberation times, the sound of voices and footsteps take longer to dissipate, contributing to higher levels of ambient noise. This reverberation can cause additional stress, as well as reduced focus and attention.

This feature seeks to establish lower reverberation time to help maintain comfortable sound levels. This performance specification can be met through the use of sound-absorbing materials on various surface and design elements.

Part 1: Reverberation Time

The following spaces have maximum reverberation time (RT60) as described:

a) Conference rooms: 0.6 seconds.
b) Open offices: 0.5 seconds.
Part 2: Reverberation Time for Learning Spaces

Reverberation time measurements for learning spaces meet the following criteria:

a) Spaces up to 3000 m² [10,000 ft²]: less than 0.6 seconds.
b) Spaces greater than 3000 m² [10,000 ft²]: less than 0.7 seconds.
Endocrine
Cardiovascular
Nervous

Applicability Matrix

Core & Shell New Construction WELL Interiors
Part 1: Reverberation Time - O O
Part 2: Reverberation Time for Learning Spaces - - -
Commercial Kitchen Education Multifamily Residential Retail
Part 1: Reverberation Time - - - -
Part 2: Reverberation Time for Learning Spaces - P - -

Verification Methods Matrix

Letters of Assurance Annotated Documents On-Site Checks
PART 1 (Performance)
Reverberation Time 		Performance Test
PART 2 (Performance)
Reverberation Time for Learning Spaces 		Performance Test

90

U. S. General Services Administration Center for Workplace Strategy Public Buildings Service. Sound Matters: How to Achieve Acoustic Comfort in the Contemporary Office. Washington, D.C.: General Services Administration Center for Workplace Strategy Public Buildings Service; 2012: 11, 29, 32, 33, 36.
78.1.a

The General Services Administration's Sound Matters recommends RT60 of 0.6 seconds for meeting rooms.
Features>Comfort>78. Reverberation time