Considered pioneers of acoustics and sound travel, the Ancient Greeks used their in-depth knowledge when designing the stunning amphitheatres that still stand today. It’s a shame their designers aren’t still working, as some contemporary spaces will overlook acoustics, as it’s often viewed as a ‘cost option’.
However, excellent acoustics don’t need to be expensive, especially when they’re integrated at the beginning of the design process.
Poor acoustics aren’t just annoying, they are often unhealthy and can impact aspects of work-life – including productivity and concentration, staff wellbeing and a diminishing a sense of privacy. And as the shift from traditional, cellular offices to collaborative, agile spaces advances, the importance of considering resolved acoustic systems is more relevant than ever.
As we celebrate Save Your Hearing day for 2020, we discuss ideas for improving acoustics in modern workspaces.
Productivity
We are all affected by noise – and not always in a bad way. A sense of thrumming activity, being part of a lively atmosphere can often be a good thing and raise your sense of being in a working neighbourhood. In certain areas this should be designed in, via not only the layout but choice of furniture systems and heights, finishes and materials and so on. However, when you are researching intricate details, or reading through legal documentation, CVs and the like that require your full concentration it is likely that you will need a much lower level of ambient noise. The same is often true of Meeting rooms, client waiting areas including reception. The acoustic design isn’t just layout, but also methods of construction, services design and appropriate use of materials.
It’s often the case that employees will continue to work without realising that noise is actually affecting them.
When creating a space, encourage a holistic approach and consider the comfort and possible needs of the employees that will be using the environment. Do you have an older workforce? Create an appropriate design that won’t compromise the natural work style of an older generation who may prefer to work individually. Is there a particular group of your employees that spend more time speaking over the telephone? Consider appropriate seating arrangements too.
So next time you’re considering the design of a space, consider acoustics too – and at an early stage. Your team will love you for it, as will the Ancient Greeks!