Acoustic Panels for IT Labs: Valencia College in Orlando, FL

• Project: IT Lab Echo Reduction & Speech Intelligibility Upgrade
• Address: 400 Pittman St, Orlando, FL 32801
• Facility Type: Higher Education Computer Lab
• Client: Valencia College
• Objective: Reduce reverberation & improve speech intelligibility for group learning
• Scope: Install 12 custom wall-mounted acoustic panels fabricated & color-matched

Valencia College in Orlando, FL needed a solution for severe echo problems in one of its IT labs. The room featured reflective finishes such as drywall, polished concrete floors, and exposed ceilings—conditions that made conversations difficult. A reverberation test measured RT60 at 1.9 seconds, well above acceptable limits for classroom collaboration. Even with only a few people in the room, the acoustics made it hard to understand the person directly across the table. Commercial Acoustics was brought in to design and install an acoustic panel solution tailored for IT labs.

• Innovative Education: Hands-on workforce training programs in high-demand fields
• Industry Partnership: Curricula shaped with direct input from employers
• Campus Location: IT lab within the Pittman St. Accelerated Skills Training center

Valencia College is widely recognized as a pioneer in workforce education throughout Central Florida. Through its Accelerated Skills Training Centers, the college connects students with technical training designed to lead directly to employment opportunities. Programs in advanced manufacturing, construction, healthcare, & IT prepare students for in-demand jobs in the region. The Pittman Street facility in downtown Orlando, where this project took place, features specialized classrooms & labs that mirror professional workplaces. Ensuring clear communication in these spaces is essential, making acoustic treatments a valuable part of their learning environments.

• Reflective Surfaces: Drywall, concrete, & open ceilings created excessive echo
• Speech Intelligibility: Conversations became unclear in group settings
• Design Constraint: Ceiling piping prevented overhead treatment installation

In group learning environments like IT labs, speech intelligibility is critical. Students often collaborate in pairs or small teams, and when multiple conversations overlap, poor acoustics can quickly create confusion. At Valencia College, this was amplified by the hard, reflective surfaces throughout the space. Ceiling-mounted panels were not feasible due to ductwork, wiring, & piping overhead. The project required a wall-mounted acoustic solution that would both reduce reverberation and blend seamlessly with the existing design.

• Panel Solution: Fabric-wrapped acoustic wall panels, factory fabricated in Tampa
• Installation: 12 panels mounted strategically around the classroom walls
• Color Match: Panels finished in gray fabric to complement existing wall paint

The Commercial Acoustics team fabricated custom 4’x8’ fabric-wrapped panels at their Tampa facility, then transported them to Orlando for installation. A total of 12 panels were mounted high on the walls to target first reflection points & reduce echo across the lab. Due to obstacles like outlets and wall wiring, some panels were mounted a few inches off the wall, but the design still achieved optimal performance. By selecting a neutral gray fabric finish, the panels blended cleanly with the space, providing functional absorption without distracting from the learning environment.

• Reverberation Reduced: RT60 dropped from 1.9 to 0.9 seconds
• Collaboration Enhanced: Clearer communication in group learning environments
• Aesthetic Integration: Panels matched seamlessly with existing interiors

After installation, the reverberation time was reduced by nearly 50%, from 1.9 seconds to 0.9 seconds. This improvement created a noticeable difference in speech clarity. Students & instructors could now communicate effectively, even during simultaneous conversations. By balancing functionality with aesthetics, the project delivered a modernized learning environment where technology & acoustics work together.

Acoustic panels for IT labs play a crucial role in creating environments where students can collaborate effectively without being hindered by noise. At Valencia College, a targeted wall panel installation transformed a reverberant, difficult-to-use lab into a space optimized for group learning. This project demonstrates how higher education institutions can benefit from well-planned acoustic treatment, improving both student experience & instructional quality.

Commercial Acoustics provides tailored solutions for schools, universities, & professional learning environments. To learn how our acoustic treatments can improve your classrooms or labs, contact our team.