To state that open-plan schools have not been studied, as suggested in your article “Can you hear me at the back?” (15 May, page 40), is somewhat wide of the mark

The performance of open-plan schools was first studied in the early seventies in Yorkshire and was the subject of a research project commissioned by the Scottish government in 2003/04 .

The research showed that open-plan teaching allows easier collaborative working and staff liaison and supervision, more staff interaction, facilitates different kinds of teaching and gives a light and open feel.

The disadvantages of open plan include noise and distraction, issues with sensitive subjects, and it encourages teaching methods that may not suit all.

There are certainly issues that need to be addressed in terms of the acoustics of schools – not least the prejudice in the current version against open plan. There is therefore a critical need for architects and their clients to develop meaningful and informed discussions.

It is time for architects to re-engage with the aural environment. There is much more to architecture than visual appearance and style. The eyes do not always have it!

Nick Charlton Smith, architect and acoustic consultant, The Charlton Smith Partnership

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