How do you incorporate acoustic sustainability and innovation in your designs?

1 What is acoustic sustainability?

Acoustic sustainability is the practice of designing spaces that enhance the quality and performance of sound, while minimizing the negative impacts of noise and vibration. Acoustic sustainability aims to balance the needs of the users, the environment, and the society, by creating soundscapes that are appropriate, functional, and enjoyable. Acoustic sustainability also considers the life cycle of the materials and systems used for sound insulation, absorption, and diffusion, and their environmental and social implications.

2 Why does acoustics matter for productivity and well-being?

Acoustics can affect the productivity and well-being of the people who occupy a space, whether they are working, learning, relaxing, or socializing. Poor acoustics can cause stress, fatigue, distraction, annoyance, and communication difficulties, which can lower the performance and satisfaction of the users. On the other hand, good acoustics can enhance the concentration, creativity, collaboration, and comfort of the users, as well as their mood and health. Good acoustics can also support the identity and image of a space, by creating a positive and memorable impression on the visitors and clients.

3 How to measure and evaluate acoustics?

Acoustics can be measured and evaluated using various parameters and criteria, depending on the type and purpose of the space. Some of the common parameters are sound pressure level (SPL), reverberation time (RT), speech intelligibility (SI), sound transmission class (STC), and noise criteria (NC). These parameters can be measured using sound level meters, reverberation meters, or other acoustic instruments, and compared with the recommended standards and guidelines for different spaces. For example, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) provides some of the widely used standards for acoustics in commercial interiors.

4 How to improve acoustics in commercial interiors?

Improving acoustics in commercial interiors requires various strategies, such as sound insulation, absorption, and diffusion. Sound insulation involves reducing the transmission of unwanted sound between spaces by using materials and systems with high sound insulation properties, such as walls, doors, and windows. Sound absorption reduces the reflection of sound within a space by using materials and systems with high sound absorption coefficients, such as carpets and panels. Finally, sound diffusion scatters and spreads the sound energy within a space by using materials and systems with irregular or varied shapes and surfaces, such as furniture or diffusers. All of these strategies can help to improve the clarity and quality of sound in a space, as well as the comfort and privacy of its users.

5 How to incorporate acoustic innovation in commercial interiors?

Acoustic innovation is the process of developing and applying new and creative solutions for acoustics in commercial interiors, through the use of advanced technologies, materials, and methods. It can offer more flexibility, functionality, and aesthetics to commercial interiors by enabling adaptive acoustics, interactive acoustics, and integrative acoustics. Adaptive acoustics involve adjusting the acoustic properties of a space according to user needs and preferences with systems that can alter sound insulation, absorption, or diffusion. Interactive acoustics involve engaging the users with the acoustic environment of a space by using systems that can respond to user input or feedback. Integrative acoustics involve combining the acoustic elements with other design elements of a space by using systems that can integrate sound insulation, absorption, or diffusion functions with lighting, ventilation, or aesthetic functions.