Evaluating Aircraft Noise Reduction in Elementary School Classrooms Using Recycled Suitcase-based Façade Panels.

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Scholarpanels made from recycled suitcases, using the case study of SDN Kamal 09 Pagi, a public elementary school located within the aircraft noise exposure zone from the Airport. The school experiences continuous environmental noise that disrupts classroom comfort and student concentration. As a public school with limited access to advanced acoustic systems, it requires an affordable and responsive façade solution to reduce external noise intrusion. According to project documentation, aircraft noise levels reached approximately 80 dB before panel installation [8]. Through case study analysis, field measurements, and questionnaire-based evaluation, the research assesses the effectiveness of the proposed scholarpanels in improving classroom auditory comfort. Field measurements recorded maximum A-weighted sound pressure levels (LAFmax) of 75.6 dB(A) outdoors and 66.6 dB(A) indoors during Airbus A320 overflights, both substantially exceeding WHO and SNI recommended classroom noise limits. Despite this, the questionnaire revealed that the aircraft noise did not disturb their learning at all, revealing that the Scholarpanels demonstrated noise reduction. This study supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 4 (Quality education) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).