Noise is an often-overlooked barrier to learning and wellness in higher education settings, particularly on urban campuses where students and educators contend with nearby highway traffic, railways, and commercial activity. This study explores the intersection of acoustic design and human health through a case study of the University of Florida's Downtown Orlando Campus, located inside the Fairwinds Building. Using a dual-method approach, the research combines quantitative sound level measurements and EASE simulations with occupant surveys that assess the psychological and physical impacts of continuous urban noise exposure. Results reveal that interior noise levels frequently exceed recommended thresholds for educational settings, with correlations between elevated decibel exposure and reported declines in concentration and mental comfort. The study identifies architectural vulnerabilities in key learning spaces, such as single-glazed facades, exposed mechanical systems, and hard surfaces, that intensify the problem. This study presents a set of architectural design guidelines to enhance the acoustic performance of the Fairwinds Building, including double-glazed windows, double-wall construction, and a secondary glazing system for highway-facing facades. These findings support a broader call to integrate evidence-based acoustic design into campus planning, providing practical solutions for universities seeking to promote academic performance and well-being in urban environments.
Tabet et al. (2025) studied this question.