About Western Kentucky University Project

Embracing Innovation: How Gordon Ford College Transformed Learning Spaces with
Skyfold Classic 60

Project Overview:

Western Kentucky University’s new Gordon Ford College of Business, a 113,000 square-foot building, is set to transform the way students are taught and prepared for their careers. CIH Space Management Division partnered with architectural firm Gensler and general contractor Messer Construction to create a flexible space to support that objective.

The modern building features an auditorium with 308 seats, designed at a 6% slope, which creates a dynamic environment that is both visually appealing and flexible. To match this versatility, the space incorporates a Skyfold Classic 60 automatic vertically retractable acoustic wall. Unlike traditional operable wall systems that slide horizontally across an overhead track, the Skyfold system retracts straight up into the ceiling when not in use.

When lowered, the wall seals tightly to the floor, matching its slope, effectively dividing the auditorium for various events or functions.

Acoustics was a primary concern for Western Kentucky University when choosing the Skyfold wall. If a high-energy class was being held on one side of the wall, the university wanted classes on the other side to remain undisturbed. To address this concern, an independent, certified acoustician was hired to measure the amount of sound blocked as it travels from one side of the wall to the other.

A NIC (Noise Isolation Class) test is an on-site field measurement, meaning it’s taken in the actual environment where the Skyfold wall is installed, rather than in a controlled laboratory setting. It quantifies the overall sound isolation between the two rooms, considering not only the Skyfold wall but also the flanking paths and the absorption characteristics of the rooms being divided.

The Product

The wall underwent extensive sound testing to demonstrate its effectiveness in blocking noise at various frequencies. The results confirmed a NIC rating of 50, indicating that the wall performs exceptionally well in providing speech privacy between rooms. It keeps conversations confidential and helps create a quieter, more comfortable environment.

Whether dividing the room for simultaneous classes or opening it up for larger gatherings, this Skyfold Classic 60 enhances the building’s functionality while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic. Its state-of-the-art design reflects WKU’s commitment to providing dynamic and versatile learning environments.

Gordon Ford College of Business | https://www.wku.edu/business/

Gensler | https://www.gensler.com/

Messer Construction | https://www.messer.com/

Your space should be as flexible and innovative as you are. CIH Space Management Division, in partnership with Skyfold, strives to provide our customers with the leading automatic vertically retractable acoustic walls on the market today. To explore all of the possibilities, contact us at https://www.cih-inc.com/solutions/smd/ or https://skyfold.com/en-US.