Audio engineering solutions for universal design – NS 8179

NS 8179 Acoustic conditions in buildings - Audio engineering solutions for universal design, describes the most common situations and premises. The standard does not contain supplementary requirements or criteria for every conceivable situation or building. The Audio engineering solutions in the standard also apply to rooms and premises that are not specifically referred to, but which have similar functions. 

Universal access to sound

A universal access to a good acoustic environment through technical solutions has been requested by many. There are several different guidelines available, but knowledge about how to actually plan, install, maintain, and use various solutions is limited or difficult to access. The committee's goal was to develop a document that describes how to ensure the most equitable access to sound.

Today, there are various requirements and criteria for physical measurements regarding universal design, but accessibility is about more than that. Access to sound is an essential part of being able to function in society. Equal participation in society is also a requirement set forth by regulations, by organizations and the public, and the media. This standard contributes to the planning and designing of sound conditions so that as many people as possible can participate in societal activities.

NS 8179 serves as a link between standards for acoustic requirements, solutions for buildings, and standards that describe various physical criteria for universal design. These standards include NS 8175 Sound classification, NS-EN 17210 Functional requirements, and NS 11001-1 and NS 11001-2 Universal design of building works.

Ordering competence

The standard describes the ordering competence required to select the right solutions, the installation, operation and maintenance of the equipment, as well as the type of information that is given to users. The standard describes general factors and conditions that are relevant to take into account with audio engineering solutions. It also describes methods of communication, speech perception, wireless sound transmission and different types of microphones and loudspeakers, as well as how audio engineering equipment can be used in different situations and buildings. 

The standard gives requirements and guidelines for planning and selection of audio equipment that contributes to universal design. Individual adaptations of assitive devices that are adjusted for the individual user are not in the scope of the standard.

Target groups for the standard are planners, ordering parties, developers, consultants, contractors, installation technicians, operating personnel, descision makers and others with responsibility for sound systems.

What does the standard contribute?

The quality and coverage of audio engineering solutions for universal design are essential. Good solutions will contribute to better speech and listening conditions for everyone, including those with normal hearing. These solutions are particularly important for children, the elderly, persons with impaired hearing, visions og ability to concentrate, and other persons with similar needs. This also applies to persons whose mother tongue differs from the language in which the information is being communicated.

See also information about other standards for universal design (pages are available in Norwegian only).