5 TIPS TO IMPROVE ACOUSTICS
An office with enclosed spaces? You don't see that much these days. Big, beautiful open workspaces are preferred. And rightly so, an open space provides inspiration and makes it easy to communicate with your colleagues. With the advent of large open-plan offices, new challenges are also emerging such as: improving office acoustics.
How do you keep an office from reverberating? Is one of the most frequently asked questions we hear lately. Makes sense, because working in an office that reverberates, no one wants that. If you've been in an office where the acoustics are bad - then you know exactly what we mean.
Fortunately, there are all sorts of ways to improve office acoustics. In this blog, we have 5 tips for improving office acoustics.
What are acoustics?
To know how to improve acoustics, you first need to know what it is. Acoustics has to do with sound. Sound consists of vibrations that react to the space and the materials used in it. Some materials absorb sound like fabric and accessories. Other materials actually reflect it, such as concrete, windows and bare walls. Do understand now where things often go wrong in the office?
For acoustics, the more soft materials in the room, the better the acoustics.
TIP 1: CREATE NOOKS AND CRANNIES AND SEPARATE SPACES
It can be tempting to place as many materials as possible against the wall: this causes echoes and that's exactly what you don't want. Solve it by creating separate corners or small spaces within the large room.
This way you improve the acoustics and create privacy. Choose room dividers or fabric curtains to divide the space and not lose sight of the open character of the room.
TIP 2: USE SOFT MATERIALS
Accessories made of soft fabrics, fabric furniture and rugs all improve acoustics. This is because soft material absorbs sound. Materials with texture absorb more sound than smooth surfaces. Prefer a minimalist office without too many accessories? Then opt for acoustic panels.
Is your office space located on an upper floor? Then a soft floor will help muffle footsteps. Great for you and the downstairs neighbors!
TIP 3: CHOOSE PLANTS IN THE OFFICE
Plants are our green friends when it comes to acoustics. You might not expect it, but they dampen sound like no other.
Therefore, consider adding some more plants in the office. The choice is vast: will you go for a large plant, a plant wall or a moss wall? With a room divider filled with plants, you can easily divide a large space. A win-win situation if you ask us.
Plants not only improve acoustics, but also create a healthier working environment. Ideal right?
TIP 4: CURTAINS IN THE OFFICE
Big windows and lots of light in the office is wonderful. The big drawback? The windows reflect sound, and thus the acoustics deteriorate. You solve this problem by combining them with soft materials: curtains.
Choose curtains that match the interior of your office such as roller blinds, pleated blinds or slats.
TIP 5: ACOUSTIC PANELS
Last but not least. That acoustic panels contribute to good acoustics comes as no surprise. Acoustic panels come in all shapes and sizes. From felt to cork, there is always something to suit your office.
For example, you place the panels on the ceiling above the workstations. This is not only functional, but also looks stylish. We often integrate these panels into our designs.
Wil je de akoestiek écht verbeteren?
Kies er dan voor om de verschillende opties met elkaar te combineren. Je zal zien dat het geluid je kantoor verbetert. Heb je hier hulp bij nodig? BeSpark helpt je graag!