Christina Higgins, MSc, MInsP, MIEnvSci

Background

Christina Higgins is an acoustics and building physics expert with over 13 years of experience investigating building performance failures and environmental noise and vibration issues.

As a member of the global Rimkus Technical team, Christina provides expert opinion in matters involving noise and vibration from transport (road, rail, air, and water) and infrastructure (onshore and offshore wind farms, mining, energy centres, and data centres), including underwater acoustics assessment of the effect of exposure to noise from offshore wind farms on marine life. She opines on noise nuisance cases, including neighbour disputes, conducting root cause analysis to determine whether the noise results from antisocial behaviour or building sound insulation failures. She investigates creaking, whistling, and other unexpected noises in tall buildings and lightweight constructions. She provides assessment of noise from events (live music, theme parks, sports facilities), and from construction and demolition.

Christina investigates exposure to noise at work and hand/arm vibration exposure and creates 3D models and audio simulations of alarm and siren audibility for personal injury cases. She provides opinion on building acoustic design failures relating to sound insulation (against Building Regulations Approved Document Part E), including structural isolation of building components, as well as vibration isolation of building services plant and in vibration-sensitive facilities such as laboratories, flight simulators, and MRI rooms. She advises on internal room acoustic design issues in acoustically sensitive spaces such as concert halls, theatres, lecture halls, and recording studios. She conducts reviews of Employers’ Requirements and of noise/vibration impact assessments and statement chapters in environmental impact assessments. She assesses compliance with noise regulations, planning conditions and Section 60 and Section 80 notices.

Christina investigates a comprehensive range of issues relating to building physics, indoor air quality, and ventilation. She provides opinion on adequacy of the ventilation strategy, advises on cases of overheating in buildings, conducts reviews of Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP) models/assessments, and investigates issues relating to indoor air quality. She models air pollutant transfer in buildings and conducts wind tunnel testing and modelling of buildings, as well as stack effect analysis for tall buildings.

Christina has a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering, for which she developed a novel method for assessing natural ventilation in buildings. She has published academic papers, has presented at multiple international conferences, and acts as a trusted peer reviewer for journals and conferences. She lectures on acoustics and engineering at undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of Surrey and Central Saint Martins, UAL. She produces reports in accordance with CPR Part 35 and is committed to a rigorous, evidence-based professional practice. Christina has acted as discipline lead for dozens of projects in the UK and internationally and has delivered acoustic design across RIBA stages 2-5 across all sectors.

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