Why acoustics are important

Privacy — Acoustic products offer privacy, for example in meeting rooms or in private offices. This ensures that conversations may not be overheard by other workers and so clear communication can take place. Think of a possible awkward conversation with a colleague, would you want anyone to hear that?

It can save a lot of embarrassment! Productivity — Noisy offices can negatively affect productivity in the workplace. Constant interruptions can lead to an inability to focus on work, which also links back to the improve wellbeing point mentioned above, as this can lead workers to feel stressed.

You can install acoustic panels to walls, ceilings and even to furniture. Noise reducing acoustic foam is often used for these types of furniture, which enables workers to congregate with minimal disruption to those around them. This can be done through the tactical placement of screens, barriers and walls between the source of the noise and the work areas. When approaching acoustic engineering and its role within architecture we begin by focusing on the acoustic properties of the current spatial design.

This allows us to understand and improve aspects of it, such as speech intelligibility, high levels of reverberation and unnecessary noise transmission. Acoustic consultancy, much like architecture is a scientific practice, relying on modelling, calculations, and expert insight. Acoustic consultants are generally trained in aspects of physics, mathematics and understand certain material sciences.

In this article, we will give you an overview of architectural acoustics and why it is essential when designing any building that exists within the world we inhabit. As acoustic consultants, we want to share our knowledge with architects and developers, with the main aim to improve the current mindset concerning acoustics to one of significance in architectural design.

Sound is everywhere, in every space you walk into, in every room, office, or home. In the same way, you expect that every door you wish to open will have a door handle. When it comes to architecture, acoustic considerations should be made at the beginning stages of a design. Sound is projected around the rooms we live, work and dwell in, and can provide benefits to it.

If wrong, they can also completely ruin a building. Considering the acoustic needs of a building at the start of the planning process can help save projects time and money. Adopting this approach will also allow you, as the designer, to specify an acoustic treatment that compliments the aesthetic of a room or environment. Why not choose an option that not only improves acoustics, but one that facilitates visual intrigue, too?

Many studies are published each year that highlight how poor acoustics and noise disturbance can negatively impact people, especially in spaces in which they learn or work in. For example, The World Health Organisation WHO reports that excessive overnight noise disturbs sleep, raises blood pressure and can even increase the incidence of heart disease.

However, implementing acoustic treatment can do more than just improve the sound and quality of a location. Acoustic products can be beautiful, adding value to an environment in terms of sound and aesthetics.

We believe acoustic treatment should be an asset to a space, not just a functional piece. When acoustics are NOT an afterthought, you can create an environment that uses acoustics to its advantage, making it a point of interest. It is clearly time for change. We must stop designing merely for the visual aspect, and start considering the ears and the general experience in each environment. The opportunities depend on the space itself together with its purpose.

Here is a summary of various techniques:. Sound absorbing spaces to minimise resonance. Such techniques improve the acoustics. This technique is already being applied in busy walkways in shopping centres and airports. It involves music without a song, often inspired by nature.

It has been demonstrated that the use of an ambient soundscape in an airport reduces stress among passengers and increases sales at airport retailers. Warning: it is important that you seek professional help when designing a soundscape. The use of a tranquil murmur in the background. These are video projections of natural scenery and a sound accompaniment. On several occasions, this technique has already demonstrated that employees work better with such background noise than in a silent office.

This is connected to the way our ancestors felt when hearing such peaceful natural sounds, and it creates a pleasant and safe environment. Such reverberations are often considered unpleasant. In the case of noise absorption , sound is absorbed by a surface that minimises the noise reverberation in the room. Heavily reflected noise feels unpleasant and increases the perceived noise level.