Sound has a profound impact on our lives, including how we communicate. There are four main ways that sound affects us: physically, emotionally, cognitively, and behaviourally.
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Physically, sound affects our bodies because we are 70% water, which makes us good conductors of sound. Our hearing is our primary warning sense. Any sudden or unexpected sound can trigger a fight or flight response, which can increase the heart rate and change our breathing.
Emotionally, sound can change our mood and emotions both positively and negatively. Music is a well-known example of how sound can affect our emotions, but other sounds, such as bird song or the sound of the ocean, can also have a calming or soothing effect. On the other hand, loud or abrasive sounds can be unsettling or stressful.
Cognitively, the sounds around us can impact how well we work or think. Loud or distracting sounds, such as music or conversation, can make it difficult to concentrate or focus. On the other hand, a quiet and peaceful environment can help improve productivity and cognitive function.
Behaviourally, we may tend to move away from unpleasant sounds and towards pleasant ones. Noise can also cause stress and negatively affect our behaviour, making us less sociable and approachable.
Understanding how sound affects us can help us design our environments in ways that enhance the positive effects and minimise the negative ones.
The subject of room acoustics is often seen as intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. While it does have some complex scientific and mathematical elements, there are also some basic principles that can help you understand how sound works and how to address any acoustic problems in your space. In this article, our Global Acoustics Ambassador answers some of the most commonly asked questions about acoustic design to demystify the topic and give you a better understanding of how to solve your acoustic issues.
First of all, in order to understand a room’s acoustics, it’s important to understand how sound travels.
Let’s start by defining acoustics as “the quality of the room that determines the audibility and the fidelity of the sound in the room." The level of architectural (room and building) acoustics can have a huge impact on your overall health and well-being.
Excessive noise and poor acoustics can affect productivity in various ways. It can disrupt communication and concentration, lower morale, and make workers less productive [1]. According to one study, "noise, in addition to causing nuisance and disturbance in an office environment, is a primary cause of a reduction in productivity." [2]
Hospitals with poor acoustics can raise patients' blood pressure and heart rate [3]. On the other hand, good room acoustics in educational settings can improve students' attention, performance, and understanding and reduce the strain on teachers' voices [4].
According to a survey by the Leesman Index, 76% of office workers consider noise to be an important factor in the workplace, but only 30% are satisfied with the noise level [5]. By creating a work environment with good acoustics and reducing distracting sounds, a number of benefits can be achieved in the office, such as: [6]
Although we are all affected by noise, we often pay little attention to it. But by taking acoustics into account at the beginning of the design process, we can minimise the presence of a bad acoustic indoor environment. Sounds perfect, right?
In recent years, there have been many advancements in technology for improving sound quality. There are three main categories of sound-absorbing materials: porous, membranes, and resonators. Porous materials such as mineral wool like stone wool, natural fibres, and foam are commonly used to absorb sound. They are soft, light, and have good sound-absorbing properties.
The ability of a material to absorb sound is measured by a weighted sound absorption coefficient (αw), which is expressed as a percentage. For example, a coefficient of 0.01 represents minimal absorption (1%). Meanwhile, a coefficient of 1.00 represents complete absorption (100%).
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At Rockfon, we are the world's leading acoustic solution provider. Our mission is to turn noisy spaces into comfortable spaces with a significant impact. Our goal is to help people create, focus, and thrive in a peaceful environment. Sounds great, doesn't it?
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Effective acoustic design is crucial for creating comfortable and functional spaces, whether a bustling restaurant, a serene office, or a dynamic classroom; however, some projects fail to achieve the desired results because of a few common design mistakes. From improper product placement to neglecting aesthetics, these errors can compromise both sound quality and visual appeal. Here are five common pitfalls in acoustic design and how to avoid them:
One of the most frequent mistakes in acoustic design is overlooking the specific function of a room. While this one might seem easy, it can sometimes be forgotten that each space has unique acoustic needs depending on its purpose. What works in one environment may not be suitable for another.
For example, in a classroom setting, the goal might be to enhance speech clarity so students can easily hear the teacher from any part of the room; however, the same space is also used for group study sessions, so the focus may shift to controlling ambient noise.
Some assume that placing acoustic panels on any available wall or ceiling surface will solve a space’s sound issues, but this approach often leads to disappointing results. Effective acoustic treatment requires strategic placement to manage sound reflections and absorption effectively.
Acoustic panels should be placed in key areas, such as the points where sound first reflects off surfaces, ceilings above noise sources, and spots where sound energy is concentrated. Imagine a conference room where acoustic panels are placed only on the back wall; however, the primary issue in the room is the sound reflection is coming from the ceiling and front walls, where the front-of-room speaker’s voice travels.
Another common mistake is choosing the wrong acoustic product or material. Not all products serve the same purpose—some are designed to absorb, block, mask, or diffuse sound (read more on the Basics of Soundscaping on the differences). Selecting a product without fully understanding its properties can result in less-than-optimal performance.
For example, a panel with a low Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) may not effectively absorb the sound frequencies most problematic in your space. It’s important to choose products based on their ability to address specific sound issues.
And while the NRC value is informative, it doesn’t tell the whole story. How a product is mounted, the base on which it is installed, the total amount of sound-reflective or absorptive material in the room, the number of inhabitants, all of these factors come together to create an environment that is not at all like a reverberation chamber in a sound lab. For this reason, we will always recommend consulting with acoustics specialists to help you specify the right product to achieve the experience you desire.
Acoustic design is often seen as purely functional, with little regard for aesthetics. Yet, the visual aspect of acoustic products is just as important, especially in environments where the look and feel matter as much as sound quality.
Poor visual integration can create a bland or unattractive environment, reducing user satisfaction. Many modern acoustic products are designed to be both effective and visually appealing, available in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns. It’s worthwhile to explore customizable options that align with the interior design goals of the space while ensuring acoustic performance.
Acoustic solutions are not a one-time fix. Over time, the way a space is used may change, and acoustic treatments might need adjustments to remain effective. This includes regular maintenance of acoustic panels, such as cleaning, inspecting them for damage, or repositioning and adding panels if the room’s purpose evolves.
Like many products, acoustic solutions are subject to wear and tear. Take wall panels in high-traffic areas, for example. Environmental exposure, cleaning, and impact damage can all contribute to gradual wear. Occasional updates may be necessary to maintain optimal performance, and regular evaluation ensures the space continues to meet its acoustic goals as needs change.
However, investing in durable, high-quality acoustic products can minimize the need for frequent replacements. That’s why our acoustic solutions come with a minimum 10-year warranty, offering peace of mind that your investment is protected.
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