Noise is a key issue in green and conventionally designed office buildings. Open-plan work spaces, glass partitions, and unfinished ceilings result in plenty of unwanted sound. As a result, workers must struggle to concentrate or simply hear their colleagues. Christopher Pollock, PE, CTS, LEED, AP, BD+C, a partner at Cerami www.ceramiassociates.com will be presenting “Acoustics in the Future Workplace” on Tuesday, October 22nd, from 6- to 7:30 p.m., at DORMA Design Center, 1040 Avenue of the Americas, between 39th and 40th Streets, 22nd floor. The 45-minute talk will be followed by a 15-minute Q&A session and is worth 1.0 LU (Learning Unit) towards the AIA CEU requirements. “Current data shows that while people may prefer to work in sustainable and LEED-rated buildings, noise still remains a key issue,” points out Mr. Pollock. “My talk will clarify what ‘good’ acoustics mean in terms of design criteria and how proper acoustical design can be employed while maintaining sustainable objectives.” Among the pertinent issues that Mr. Pollock will be discussing, are: • Understanding how to translate a client’s key business performance criteria into acoustical design criteria for the project; • Understanding what design tools need to be employed from inception to optimize alignment with the overall project design strategy; • Understanding the types of work modes within an integrated office design and the optimal acoustical environments and design options for each; • Understanding how to address additional acoustical challenges presented in projects designed to either achieve LEED certification of simply comply with sustainable project objectives. Pollock, who is also the regional director for Cerami’s Washington, D.C. office, has extensive acoustical design experience, having worked on projects in commercial offices, music and arts facilities, broadcast and educational institutions. Among his most recent workplace projects are Gensler DC and the law firms of Covington & Burling, Arnold & Porter, and Cohen Milstein. Other Cerami projects for which he has been responsible within the past few years include the Smithsonian Institution, the National Institutes of Health, the USO Warrior Family Center, National Public Radio and the Chesapeake Shakespeare Theater. Victoria Cerami, CEO, of the preeminent acoustic, audiovisual and technology design firm said, “Chris is a gifted speaker who never fails to offer illuminating insight. Over the years, there have been rapidly changing models in workplace environments, with acoustics as a central component. I am sure the design community will want to hear what is currently being implemented and what is on the horizon.”