Julian Treasure: Why architects need to use their ears

Because of poor acoustics, students in classrooms miss 50 percent of what their teachers say and patients in hospitals have trouble sleeping because they continually feel stressed. Julian Treasure sounds a call to action for designers to pay attention to the "invisible architecture" of sound.

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[hermelindoruiz]

I'm an artist and musician and the way I recognize how much audiences like my work is NOT on how much they clap after a performance but on the SILENCE they do while I’m performing. Thanks to your lecture, I will definitely have a similar approach to choose (and hopefully enhance) the places where I study, work or even enjoy my day! Nice Speech!!!

[calebdavis]

For some reason I absolutely appreciate this man for the simple fact he referenced the people who helped him. And as an Architect student I realized how the 'big idea' doesn't always work.

[geostokes]

This is one of the best videos I've ever watched.

[mustafizurrahman]

an umpteen thanks Julian for bringing this issue before all of us. Being an architect as well as a common people I was highly concern about the noise from earlier. I am quite sure if this kind of issue could be infused among people from every walks of life we would get an innovative yet effective solution. The question could arise, as it is the primary concern of an architect or the related people who are responsible for designing various space, why dont they merge it with their design and construction, but the answer is so simple. may be or may not be we are concern, but the authority or the financial issue becomes a great hurdle to implement those project perfectly. An hospital or auditorium for example whose budget is very little. We dont have anything there but we can prescribe them only. Local authority should come to assist with this regards. last of all i would like to say every animal to be very specific every human being have five senses that are experienced by five organs, eg. nose, ear, taunge, skin and eye. This topic is basically related to one organ that is ear. we have to think of rest of the organs as well. while designing a space we have to be more concern about rest of the elements along with noise. There is no end of perfection. But we should try to be perfect as much as possible designing a space as an architect.

[jansima]

Thank you for showing the situation. Many sound-reflecting boards are offered in our country. So it hurts more. Fortunately, we are not architects or designers in the true sense of the word. So we can keep the right distance. Many things can be compared to money. Without thinking and on the surface. And often the purpose falters. Who doesn't think pays. Who does not think will pay more. And he who does not think more will pay the most. What you put into it you get from it.

[dannyang]

I am very happy that finally there are people who actually care about this topic. And this may open up a new field of studies for some specific purposes and further producing much more career opportunities too...

[gspahr]

As an almost graduated architecture student, I often think about this, there are too many nice places you can't enjoy properly because of poor acoustic quality of spaces and materials...

Great speech, now I want to share it with all my future colleagues!

[christopherradford]

This is a great presentation. It's also important to thin about other hidden aspects of the environment: temperature, humidity and air quality. Fresh air contributes significantly to our well being. As does natural lighting, green spaces and being grounded. There is so much unnecessary EMF pollution in our work environments as well. Our central nervous systems operate on electrical properties. How much calmer are people when everything is grounded?

[papercut]

He gives really good presentation and has a decent thought!

[funkyddy]

I agree completely.
It's just a quick fix for current buildings, not every organizations has resources to improve room acoustics.
But future buildings must be designed with "sound" in mind. :)

[patriciaherlevi]

Brilliant lecture.  I have researched how music affects us and during that research I read articles and books on acoustics.  I live in a studio cottage and deal with a high-pitch whine from a mini-fridge which leaves me wondering why designers of appliances could also look at acoustics. 

[ricakristelpiccio]

this guy just sold me to "sound"". he preached it like he was about to see the next revolutionary device,

[RobineterMeulen]

Fantastic all schools should see this.

[marsCubed]

I agree, I think hospital sounds can be quite comforting.. I have an app on my phone that I download ambient sounds with, things like hospitals, urban streets & machinery sounds etc.. people often use them to relax and to meditate to.

[whereeveritgoes]

When I become rich and influential, I will build a school with this sound idea installed in it. I'm all for education and I really advocate it. I have been a teacher for a few years and what I hate is I have to yell every single word in the classroom mainly because the fans or air-conditioners are total shits and I have a voice that does not resonate clearly despite my many attempts of improving it. Great talk by Mr. Julian Treasure! Something worth to think about.

[DrSpooglemon]

Being someone who has a discerning ear, I find this one of the best Ted talks. This guy is dealing with a very important subject...

[JonathanOrweller]

This applies to schools, churches, and homes. Worth consciously thinking about!

[megamastah]

This guy, Julian, is one hell of a speaker. Like king Julian in 'Madagascar'.

[matthewjay]

2:13 We have labeled "Quiet Zone" signs taped on to all the doors of the dispensaries at the hospital where I work. Also, the door is to be shut while doses are of medicines and/or drugs are being prepared by a nurse, doctor, and/or pharmacist. This has significantly reduced "misses" and "near misses" by our staff, thus increasing patient safety, patient treatment, and patient recovery.

[narendradamani]

Excellent presentation on the topic which do not need subordinate treatment in planning.