Gym Baffles and Wall Panels at Las Americas ASPIRA Academy
Sound and Spirit: Acoustic Transformation at Las Américas ASPIRA Academy’s Gymnasium
At Las Américas ASPIRA Academy, the gymnasium is more than just a place for sports—it’s a vibrant, multi-use space where students gather for classes, assemblies, events, and athletic activities. But like many large gymnasiums with hard surfaces and minimal absorption, the space struggled with poor acoustics. Conversations echoed endlessly, instructions from teachers and coaches were often difficult to understand, and overall, the environment was more chaotic than conducive to learning or performance.
Determined to improve the student experience, the school partnered with DDS Acoustical Specialties to design and install a custom acoustic treatment solution. The results were not only heard—they were seen and celebrated.
The Problem: Excessive Echo and Communication Challenges
Before treatment, the gym’s reverberation time clocked in at nearly 6 seconds. That meant every sound—whether a student’s voice, a bouncing basketball, or a teacher’s instructions—would linger, overlap, and blur together. This created a difficult environment for effective communication and concentration, especially during PE classes and assemblies.
“The echoes made it hard for both students and staff to hear clearly,” said a representative from Las Américas ASPIRA Academy. “We knew we needed to address the acoustics, but we also wanted the space to look great and reflect our school’s identity.”
The Solution: Tailored Acoustics with Visual Appeal
The DDS Acoustical Specialties team conducted a full site analysis and proposed a dual-product approach to address both function and form:
- PVC-faced semi-rigid ceiling baffles for broad sound absorption across the large volume of the gym
- High-impact fabric-wrapped acoustic wall panels to tame reflections at ear level and add design flair
Ceiling baffles were chosen for their durability, easy maintenance, and excellent sound absorption characteristics. The PVC face ensures they can withstand the dust and movement typical in a gym environment. Suspended in rows from the ceiling, these baffles break up sound waves and reduce reverberation by absorbing sound from all directions.
For the walls, DDS designed a custom layout of high-impact acoustic panels in various sizes. This not only optimized the acoustic treatment across the gym’s reflective surfaces but also created a dynamic visual pattern. The team collaborated with the school to select colors that closely matched the institution’s official palette, incorporating vibrant blues and yellows that reinforced school spirit.
“We don’t believe acoustic treatment has to be boring or bland,” said Dave Gilbert, Owner of DDS Acoustical Specialties. “At ASPIRA Academy, we had the opportunity to blend performance with personality. The result is a gym that looks as good as it sounds.”
The Results: From Chaos to Clarity
Following installation, the reverberation time in the gymnasium dropped dramatically—from around 6 seconds to just 1.5 seconds. This reduction drastically improved speech intelligibility, making it easier for teachers to give instructions and for students to stay focused and engaged.
“Since the installation, we’ve noticed a world of difference,” the school representative shared. “The echo is gone, students can hear clearly, and the space feels more controlled. Plus, the panels look fantastic. It’s made a huge impact on both learning and athletics.”
The improved acoustics have enhanced not just daily classes but also after-school activities, sports practices, and assemblies. Whether students are dribbling basketballs or participating in a group lesson, everyone benefits from the new sound environment.
Key Takeaways from the ASPIRA Academy Gym Project:
Client: Las Américas ASPIRA Academy
Challenge: High reverberation and poor sound quality in a multi-use gym
Solution:
PVC-faced semi-rigid ceiling baffles for overhead absorption
High-impact fabric-wrapped wall panels for reflection control and visual design
Customization: Color-matched panels aligned with school branding; wall panel layout with varying sizes for added aesthetic appeal
Results: Reverberation time reduced from ~6 seconds to ~1.5 seconds
Client Feedback: Dramatic improvement in acoustics and visual appearance; increased clarity and comfort for all users
Bringing Learning to Life with Better Sound
This project exemplifies how thoughtful acoustic design can elevate a space from simply functional to truly exceptional. For schools like ASPIRA Academy, the benefits go far beyond reducing noise—they extend into enhanced learning environments, improved communication, and a stronger sense of community pride.
“We love working on projects like this,” said Dave Gilbert. “When a space becomes more enjoyable and effective for students and staff, it’s a win across the board. The transformation at ASPIRA is a perfect example of how acoustic solutions can support education and school culture.”
If your gym, cafeteria, or classroom suffers from too much echo and not enough clarity, DDS Acoustical Specialties can help. With custom-designed solutions and a commitment to excellence, we’ll help you build spaces where sound works for you—not against you.