All ceilings, regardless of their materials or design, are acoustic. They absorb, reflect or diffuse sound. Designers can optimize the acoustic experience in each room based on its function, the acoustic characteristics of different ceiling materials and the ceiling design itself. During the earliest stages of a project’s design, forethought about the desired acoustic experience also can contribute to the aesthetic character of each space and the entire facility.

Schools serve as a perfect example of facilities that have a wide variety of room types and desired acoustic experiences. Educational facilities have many rooms where speech intelligibility is important, other rooms where music is meant to be rehearsed or performed, and still other spaces where acoustic comfort for relaxation, concentration or privacy are desired.