When planning commercial office design, be sure to consider the acoustics of the building and each room within the workplace. Acoustics are just as important (if not more so) than other elements of design, such as lighting and color scheme. Whether you’re on the search for a property or you’re looking for ways to improve your current space, we share more about acoustics and offer tips below.
Why Are Acoustics So Important?
When you’re ready to find the perfect location for your office, educational facility, or other commercial space, acoustics may be the last thing on your mind. However, the acoustics of the building will have a significant impact on employee and customer happiness, privacy, and more. When sound travels too easily (or not easily enough), productivity and efficiency may become hindered. If the commercial space is bustling with activity from heavy equipment, it’s even more critical to invest in measures to control the sound. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider noise pollution a hazard to human health. Unfortunately, hearing loss is one of the most prevalent work-related illnesses in the U.S., so you’ll want to ensure high-quality office acoustics to serve as a respite from noisy production or manufacturing areas.
Tips For Improving Acoustics
If you’ve noticed that your commercial space is echoey or so noisy that it’s difficult to concentrate or have private conversations, there are several steps you can take to improve the acoustics. Many of these are simple to implement, and include design strategies, which include:
- Incorporating sound-masking décor such as curtains and rugs into the office.
- Investing in ceiling and wall treatments to reduce echoing in large, open-concept spaces.
- Having a professional assess the space to create a plan for furniture placement.
Although there are many ways to enhance the way sound travels in your commercial space, solutions such as sound masking are often considered the most effective. Sound masking has the potential to be a viable option for most commercial settings, especially busy offices. With this technology in place, you’ll immediately notice a subtle improvement in the acoustics of the room. Since sound masking is similar to white noise in that it’s barely-there background sound, its presence may be soothing and aid in productivity.
If you’re interested in providing the best environment possible for your employees and customers, acoustics should play a significant role in commercial office design. Whether you’re starting fresh with a brand-new building or giving your current workspace an upgrade, our team of experts can assist you with every aspect of your design goals. Ready to learn more about enhancing your commercial space? We’d love to speak with you and learn more about your project and vision. Please contact us to schedule a consultation.
