Acoustics in the workplace – is Sound the 8th Element of Design?

In a world where design trends are constantly evolving we often forget what could be considered the 8th Element of Design…. Sound.

Our natural senses help us to experience a space, yet the typical Seven Elements of Design are based on the visual and tactile. The Seven Elements are Space, Texture,  Light, Colour, Pattern, Line and Form.

These Elements are always considered by designers, but more attention is being given to acoustics and sound to improve our experience with the interior environment.

Do you ever walk into an open work space and feel like you can’t hear yourself think?  This is often due to an abundance of hard surface reverberating sound, rather than absorbing it, and voices escalating in an attempt by the individual to be heard.  Ambient sound can be influenced by music, background noise, external traffic and construction.

As such, sound has a powerful impact on our  mood, and how we feel. It can therefore influence how we communicate, our ability to focus and in some instances, our productivity.

The careful selection of materials & finishes, such as flooring, window coverings, soft furnishings and wall finishes, can impact the acoustic properties of a room and reduce sound reverberation. It contributes to a positive ambience and encourages conversation to be conducted at a comfortable volume.

In selecting the right materials to impact the acoustics of space, consideration needs to be given to the size of the space, what it is being used for, the number of people using the space, functional zones, circulation patterns and furniture placement.

In commercial interior design there are ever-emerging products that complement these traditional  materials and finishes, and acoustic products including wall panels, wall tiles, suspended ceiling screens, as well as printed or branded wall graphics can be used to absorb sound.

With the continuing trend for open plan commercial spaces, the advent of stand alone, enclosed meeting pods or telephone booths enable sound proof collaboration and private discussion without the need for building physical offices.  Pods can be portable and adaptable to meet changes in the functional design of a space.

Further, the clever use of collaborative furniture such as high back lounges can create a comfortable space for small group discussions, or a space for individuals to make phone calls.

Similarly, wall mounted “booths” provide a space for a quiet phone calls or enclosed workstations.

With a focus on customised design solutions, Watson Commercial can both design and specify products ideally suited to your brief.

Read more on our acoustic products or call us for a consultation.