Real-Life Decision Making
Acoustical engineers are famous for their keen ears and their love of high-quality
sound. Architects and others rely on their ability and their professional
pride to make each building sound the best it possibly can.
But acoustical engineers have other considerations to think about: a building's
appearance, age, location and the expense of construction all factor into
how good it can sound.
You're an acoustical engineer brought in late in the construction
phase of a new concert hall in a downtown area. The building was designed
primarily to take advantage of its unique location -- a small plot of land
between two skyscrapers.
By the time you arrive for your initial consultation, the concert hall
is nearly finished. Electrical contractors are putting the wiring in place
and workers are installing large skylights in the ceiling.
The architect in charge tells you that he is pleased you are taking on
the job.
He shows you a press release that he wants to send out. It highlights your
background, including your past work, and says that with your help, the new
concert hall will become the best-sounding theater in the city.
You are a little concerned. You're not sure you can claim that the
building will sound perfect. The skylights will not help the acoustics, for
instance.
Plus, with construction this far along, you may not be able to make improvements.
You don't want to ruin your reputation.
What do you do?