Clamor by Chris Berdik is a beautifully written and intelligent book about noise and the need for better-sounding environments. In the book, Chris explains that noise can have serious health effects, disrupting our sleep, ratcheting up our stress, and destroying our concentration. As he argues, it is one of the most pervasive, yet underacknowledged, pollutants in our daily lives—one that we neglect, both individually and systemically, at our peril.
Chris’ guest for this book discussion is Acentech president Ben Markham, FASA, LEED AP. Ben is an acoustics expert, lecturer, author, and industry leader. His over two decades of experience in architectural acoustics and mechanical systems noise control consulting spans a rich portfolio of award-winning projects. Ben is a Lecturer at MIT’s School of Architecture, a Fellow of the Acoustical Society of America, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a 2019 ENR National Top 20 Under 40 awardee. Ben was pleased to share his expertise with Chris in Chapter 8 of Clamor, specifically on the 3DListening model he created for the MFA’s Shapiro Courtyard, which led to the inclusion of important acoustical treatments and, when completed, a great-sounding space.
Join Chris and Ben at the Parkside Bookshop, 260 Shawmut Ave., Boston, MA on July 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM EST, for an engaging discussion about the book, and how we may see some hope in solving the noise issues that seem to plague our world.