Sound Within a Space
The amount of sound we each experience within a space can have a significant impact on our overall health and well-being. The level of acoustical comfort, clarity, and tolerances that are experienced within a space is unique to each of us and has a direct correlation to our own workplace satisfaction.
- Over-exposure of noise has been found to cause hearing impairments, memory loss, cognitive stress, and other health concerns. Noise from HVAC equipment, appliances, and even from other occupants can greatly hinder concentration, focus, and productivity within a workplace or school setting.
- Acoustical privacy is a key factor to consider within and across enclosed spaces. When voices and conversations are easily transmitted between rooms or across open office areas, the occupants within that space can lose their sense of privacy and confidentiality.
- Speech intelligibility is crucial for comprehension and memory retention, notably within educational facilities. Inappropriate reverberation times can hinder speech intelligibility, especially for those occupants who may possess hearing impairments.
Design and Planning
We reference the Standard | WELL V2 (wellcertified.com), a data-driven tool, to bring specific strategies and tactics into our design and planning process. Within the standard, the WELL Sound Conceptincludes strategies to holistically improve occupant health and well-being through the identification and implementation of acoustical solutions that can help shape positive occupant experiences within a space.
Sound Mapping
Sound Mapping is the WELL Feature S01, which prompts project teams to:
- Strategize an acoustical plan that identifies various acoustic zones and potential sources of noise throughout a space that may negatively impact occupants.
- Outline acoustical solutions such as incorporating acoustic panels or other sound absorbing materials, including noise masking devices, and specifying appropriate wall and frame types within higher-privacy areas.
Achieving Acoustical Comfort
Higher levels of acoustical comfort can be managed within a space by monitoring background noise levels, sound transmission, reverberation time, and speech intelligibility within the project boundary so levels are being met. Creating an acoustic diagram that assigns an activity level or sound rating to spaces during early design phases can be very eye-opening in revealing areas that may have high acoustic levels. By prioritizing and evaluating various acoustical comfort strategies in the early project planning phases, we can help our clients invest in a healthier, more productive work environment that contributes to their overall well-being.
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