Acoustics
The desire for openness, transparency and flexibility in architecture and interior design is increasingly gaining significance. In addition to lighting, ergonomics and space utilisation, acoustics have an enormous influence on employee productivity. The following motto applies: the sum of all acoustic provisions creates an optimal ambience.
Intelligent acoustic space planning promotes satisfaction and efficiency. Studies have shown up to 52 % performance improvement with good acoustics (e. g. AUVA / Ch. A. Sust).
The statement »our ears never sleep« applies especially to open office structures. With five different screened zones, an acoustically comfortable ambience can create a distraction-free environment that facilitates such varied activities as concentrated working, communicating and cooperating.
Five acoustic zones in open office landscapes
1. Concentrating at the workplace
The proportion of work that requires concentration at the workplace is very high; compared to the share of commu-nication. Effective acoustic and visual screening is essential for employee performance.
Focused work / Temporary
Acoustic and visual screening.
Executive
High sound absorption, good speech compre-hensibility in the room.
Technical island
Absorption of sound sources where they originate.
2. Think tank
An acoustically screened room for activities requiring high concentrationand / or confidential meetings for one to two people. A think tank is private place in close proximity to the work-place (for telephone calls, conceptual work, etc.).
Think tank
High sound absorption, quiet in the room.
3. Areas for teamwork
Unlike the concentration-orientedworkplace, collaboration and communi-cation are the focus here, supportedby eye contact and good intelligibilityin the immediate vicinity. Informal ex-change in a team can be improved by additional communicative furnishings, such as stand-up tables. Acoustic shielding from other teams makes sense.
Teamwork
Good speech comprehensibility in the immediate vicinity, less speech comprehensibility in a large room.
4. Formal communication
The traditional meeting room is ded-icated to the formal, inter-group ex-change of teams. Acoustic screening is provided by a room that is closed on all sides. In these rooms, confidential meetings and activities requiring high amounts of concentration are performed.
Conference
High speech comprehensibility, sound absorption inside and outside.
5. Public area
Such open areas are dedicated to infor-mal social exchange. A multi-functional office landscape for meetings at a moment’s notice, collaborative work, meetings, presentations and recreation. Because of the frequency and location of such events, good acoustic cushio-ning is a necessity.
Reception / Waiting area
Peaceful atmosphere with good speechcomprehensibility. Absorption of sound sources where they originate.
Lounge
Good speech comprehensibility. Absorption of sound sources where they originate.
We-Places
Good speech comprehensibility. Absorption of sound sources where they originate.
