Role of sound in shaping user experience in commercial architecture

by arslan_ahmed | January 19, 2024 4:00 pm

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By Charles Carrender

In architectural design, the most successful projects are those that prioritize and optimize the occupant experience. How people engage and interact with a space is a direct result of how well the space is designed to perform in relation to its intended use.

The way sound behaves (or, in some cases, does not behave) inside a commercial space makes it one of the most impactful elements on people within that space. Buildings are full of acoustically reflective materials—concrete, glass, metal, and wood—all of which can cause unwanted sound to reverberate throughout the interior, increasing stress levels, decreasing concentration, and otherwise negatively impacting the building’s occupants. Conversely, optimizing acoustics enhances sound clarity and improves speech intelligibility, which has been shown to support learning, promote productivity, and contribute to immersive experiences.

As more architects and interior designers make acoustic attenuation a regular part of the building design process, sound absorption tends to get all the focus. However, absorption is not always the goal. Performance spaces, lecture halls, recording studios, and other commercial applications often require more sophisticated acoustic management that includes diffusion and reflection for optimum sound quality.

Here, in addition to absorption, explore the dynamics of reflection and diffusion, where and why they are needed, and what types of wall and ceiling solutions achieve them while offering visual options that elevate the look of a space as much as they enhance its sound quality.

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The dampening factor: Sound absorption

There is a reason absorption often takes center stage in architectural design: it reduces the amount of reflection of sound waves off a surface, thereby minimizing noise levels and improving the auditory experience by making a space feel quieter and more inviting. One of the primary objectives of absorption is to enhance comfort and functionality in indoor environments by dampening sound.

This makes wall and ceiling products with absorption qualities a great solution for open-plan offices, where conversations, video conferences, and other unwanted ambient sounds can lead to excessive noise levels that make it challenging for employees to concentrate. In healthcare settings, absorption helps where patients need calm environs to heal, and medical staff members need privacy when discussing patient cases. Absorption options are also effective in schools, which feature a variety of spaces—from large gymnasiums and libraries to small classrooms—with different sound control needs under one roof.

Textile- and fabric-wrapped panels are the ideal solution for absorption. Materials such as felt and polyester offer natural sound-absorbing qualities with high noise reduction, as well as a wide array of colors, textures, and patterns for design versatility. Perhaps surprisingly, wood panels can also offer sound absorption; though wood is naturally reflective, it can be perforated and used with an acoustical backer for noise control.

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Strategic amplification: Sound reflection

Unlike sound absorption, which dampens sound energy, sound reflection involves surfaces that bounce and concentrate sound waves back into the environment, amplifying sound in strategic ways that enhance the perception and experience of occupants.

The most important function of reflection is it contributes to auditory clarity and amplification in various environments. Spaces such as concert venues, auditoriums, and lecture halls are meticulously designed to incorporate reflective surfaces that help project sound and ensure it reaches the entire audience without significant loss or distortion. The strategic placement of reflective panels plays a pivotal role in enhancing the auditory experience, enabling lecturers’ or performers’ voices or musical instruments to be heard clearly, even in the back rows.

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Conference rooms and meeting spaces are another context where sound reflection can be advantageous. By utilizing hard surfaces, these spaces ensure the speaker’s voice carries effectively, facilitating communication and engagement among participants.

Religious and worship spaces also benefit from sound reflection. Older cathedrals and churches often feature high vaulted ceilings, hard stone surfaces, and stained-glass windows, creating a reverberant acoustic environment that amplifies the spoken word and music. This enhances the spiritual experience for congregations by creating a sense of awe and reverence.

Hard, solid panels constructed of wood, fiberglass, or composite materials are the ideal choice for reflectivity as they inherently reflect sound. However, since design is not just about functionality, some manufacturers offer an array of creative options for visual versatility, including customization options for unique spaces.

With wood panels, species and finish options range from maple to mahogany to walnut and more, all available in tones from light and silvery to deep and rich. Fiberglass and composite materials offer the benefit of custom finishes that can be color-matched to meet any design specification virtually. No matter the material, it is important to work with a manufacturer who can produce custom shapes, curves, and forms. It is an effective way to add depth and dimension, in addition to directional sound control, to a space.

Sound reflection plays a crucial role in controlling the propagation of sound within diverse environments. It not only aids in amplifying sound for clarity and projection but also contributes to the unique character and ambiance of a space, both audibly and visually.

Creating spatial ambiance: Sound diffusion

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Sound diffusion is a sophisticated acoustic design technique that involves scattering sound waves in various directions within a space, creating a balanced and immersive auditory experience. Unlike sound absorption, which reduces sound energy, and sound reflection, which bounces sound waves, sound diffusion disperses sound evenly to minimize echoes. This technique is essential in architectural and interior design for optimizing sound quality and creating spatial ambiance.

One of the primary applications of sound diffusion is in music studios and recording spaces. These environments demand precise control over acoustics to capture and produce high-quality audio recordings. Sound diffusion panels or diffuser arrays are strategically placed on walls and ceilings to scatter sound waves, preventing the buildup of resonances and echoes. The result is a more accurate and pleasing audio recording, as it minimizes unwanted acoustic artifacts for a seamless and balanced auditory experience.

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In art galleries and exhibition spaces, sound diffusion contributes to a serene and contemplative environment. By preventing sound waves from reflecting directly back to the listener, diffusers minimize acoustic distractions and create a sense of spaciousness. This enhances the visitors’ ability to focus on and appreciate the artwork without the interference of excessive noise or echoes.

Sound diffusion also finds its place in architectural designs for contemporary public buildings. By incorporating diffusive elements into the layout and decor, designers can create unique and engaging spaces. Diffusive surfaces often feature intricate geometric patterns or irregular shapes that add visual interest while enhancing acoustic comfort.

Like reflective products, diffusion solutions also offer an array of materials and creative options, from polymers to woods, along with customization. Diffusers are also great for adding forms such as pyramids, convex curves, and more that create dramatic depths and textures on a surface.

Sound diffusion is a powerful tool in acoustic design that creates balanced and immersive auditory experiences. Whether in recording studios, home theaters, art galleries, or architectural spaces, the strategic use of sound diffusion enriches the environment by reducing unwanted sound artifacts and enhancing the overall sensory perception. Architects and designers who understand the principles of sound diffusion can craft spaces that resonate with their intended purpose, elevating both form and function in their designs.

Making sound work for projects

Effective acoustic design incorporates the careful selection and placement of reflective surfaces to create acoustic environments that resonate with their intended purpose, whether it is a captivating concert, a serene worship service, or a productive business meeting.

Understanding the nuances of sound reflection empowers designers and architects to craft spaces that harmonize both form and function, providing a rich auditory experience that complements the visual aesthetics of the environment.

Whether it is absorption, reflection, or diffusion, by strategically selecting and integrating the appropriate materials for an interior environment’s intended use, architects and designers can create spaces that ultimately enhance the user experience through acoustics.

Author

Charles Carrender, national sales manager at AVL Systems Inc., specializes in architectural acoustics and sound system integration. His 15 years of expertise in understanding the nuances of sound in architectural spaces has been pivotal in driving new market developments for large commercial construction spaces and projects. Carrender combines business strategy with customized client engagement to address the unique acoustic requirements of diverse environments. He can be reached at charles.carrender@avlonline.com.

Source URL: https://www.constructionspecifier.com/role-of-sound-in-shaping-user-experience-in-commercial-architecture/

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