VAS in historic buildings – problems and solutions
INSTALLATION OF VAS IN HISTORICAL BUILDINGS - PROBLEMS AND SOLUTIONS
In this type of facilities, the most common problem we encounter is how to ensure the appropriate level of message intelligibility and how to perform the cable and loudspeaker installation when the conservator does not agree to install the loudspeakers in typical places, i.e. on the wall or ceiling, and how to route cable installation requiring E90 fire resistance, when only wooden structural elements are available.
problem
ACOUSTIC
- uniform sound coverage of a common zone consisting of architecturally and acoustically different areas
- obtaining the legally required STI speech intelligibility (transmission) indicators and appropriate SPL sound levels in highly reflective spaces
INSTALLATION
- installation of fire loudspeakers in places hidden out of sight while maintaining installation standards
- routing and installation of cable installations and supporting systems with E30/E90 resistance
solution
Uniform sound coverage of common areas (so-called ADA areas according to CEN/TS 54-32:2015) was achieved mainly through:
- the use of time delays in the 2LG cards of the VAS IVO control panel between loudspeakers located on different floors but in the same (common) sound area.
directing hidden speakers to opposite walls to obtain a controlled reflected wave on the listening surface
The understandability of evacuation messages has also been improved thanks to:
- using parametric correction in the audio processors of the VAS IVO control panel
preparing automatic messages in the recording studio using dynamic compression - the speakers were installed in unused fireplaces and tiled stoves, hidden above pillars and ventilation grilles.
In parts where visible installation was allowed, the speaker housings were covered with a RAL color corresponding to the mounting surface.
