When Does Acoustics Become Critical In Design

Acoustics affect many aspects of a building’s function, from communication in the classroom to productivity in the office. Understanding how to choose a combination of system designs,building materials, and construction technologies that will provide the optimal sound control is the key to creating a successful acoustical design.

Sound wave energy interacts with every object and surface in a building. Some energy may be absorbed or scattered by furnishings in the room and some energy may reflect off or transmit through partitions. Sound may bend around barriers and squeeze through little openings, all of which can allow noise to reach surprisingly far beyond its point of origin. Because of this, designers must consider the dynamics of sound when choosing how they will control noise within a room.

The fundamental mechanisms involved in noise control for buildings are sound absorption and sound transmission. Sound absorption is needed to lower the reverberation, in a space to help improve clarity of speech and lessen excessive noise within a room. Sound transmission, either airborne or structural, needs to be reduced to stop sound from travelling between two spaces.

When it comes to the sound performance of a room, understanding how and when to correctly use building materials can make all the difference.

Building owners consistently ask you to reduce costs and compress schedules. Meanwhile, employees’ expectations keep growing—especially as they relate to sound.

69 percent of office employees are dissatisfied with sound levels in their workspace. What’s the experience of noise in spaces you’ve designed?

Efficiency is important. But to meet owner and employee expectations, it’s essential to prioritize acoustics as a key design imperative.