Architectural acoustics: Emerging opportunities require new materials and solutions.

The landscape is changing. New 2010 code‐level acoustical guidelines for healthcare facilities and new 2009 LEED environmental quality criteria for acoustics in green buildings (LEED) create demand for acoustical solutions that stretch the boundaries of current practice. In many cases, these needs cannot be met by traditional methods, materials, technologies, or best practices in design & construction. Unfortunately, technical development has been constrained for 3 decades by absence of government support for R&D and by litigation against many manufacturers of acoustical materials. As a result, serious re‐thinking is needed by materials manufacturers, technology developers, solutions providers, research scientists, and consultants. This paper gives an overview of these emerging needs and outlines new ways of thinking about architectural acoustics. Topics include (1) new requirements (renewable sources, VOCs, recyclability, lightweight construction, infection control/cleanability, and daylight transmission...