Understanding acoustic design elements in the office
photo source: Snowsound
Cell phone conversations, co-workers talking too loud, typing keyboards…it can all be VERY distracting. Especially when in an office setting. With the Open Plan being the new norm of an office space plan, it may seem like things will never quiet down. Luckily, there are sound absorbing resources to alleviate some of those distracting noises.
What is an acoustic space? An acoustic space refers to an acoustic environment in which sound is heard by an observer. Not only is proper acoustical design vital in the importance of the functionality of a space, but it can directly effect tasks that take place in those spaces. It is an elemental area of design work and one that can also enhance the visual appeal of a scheme as well as the acoustic comfort. There are two ways to solve an acoustic problem in a space: sound masking and sound absorption.
photo source: Lencore
Sound Masking
Sound masking systems use a soft unnoticeable background sound through a speaker. It muffles any sounds or distractions within a setting. Users can control this sound masking setting by depending on the amount of distracting noise. The disturbing noise can be measured by sound level sensors that are installed in the ceiling. Therefore, the sound masking level can be adjusted in real-time. For further information on how sound masking works, check out this short video by Lencore! Lencore Sound Masking
Sound Absorption
Sound absorption refers to wave lengths being soaked up by soft surfaces. Sound absorption absorbs unwanted noise within a room. Essentially, it converts the sound wave energy into a small amount of heat that reduces the amount of sound throughout the room. There are many different sound absorption products including acoustic panels, tiles, clouds, and ceiling baffles. Check out this short video about Snowsound’s incredible sound absorbing technology! Snowsound Acoustic Panel Demo
photo source: Snowsound
Choosing the right sound solution for your space will depend on whether you are looking to mask sound or absorb sound. It is possible to use both sound masking and sound absorption in a space. For example, sound masking or ‘white noise’ can be used in an open office plan to muffle colleague conversations and sound absorption solutions can be used in conference rooms to absorb meeting discussions. You will find that most modern offices use a combination of these solutions to reach an acoustically pleasing office setting.
Interested in hearing more about our sound solutions? Contact us for a quote and let us help you quiet your noisy office!
Sources:
https://www.teacherboards.co.uk/community/the-sound-of-success-how-acoustics-play-role-in-modern-office-designs/
https://www.acousticbulletin.com/how-architects-explain-acoustics
https://www.audimute.com/blog/sound-absorption-vs-soundproofing
https://speechprivacysystems.com/how-sound-masking-works/
https://www.snowsoundusa.com/why-snowsound/