Acoustics, noise, and soundscapes

The fact that noise distraction can be due to interaction makes it challenging to create workplaces that reduce the undesirable effects of noise on performance and workplace satisfaction, because effective collaboration is key to any organisation’s success. In addition to adding sound absorption in the workplace (using ceiling tiles, wall panels, and furniture etc.), creating zones for noisier activities away from ones that require quieter conditions is another useful solution. However, success depends on colleague behaviours and how reliably they take noisy activities (like meetings, telephone and online calls) out of earshot of their colleagues or in areas with effective acoustic shielding. Reducing noise distraction in offices, especially dense open-plan ones, is one of the biggest challenges for the workplace design and management community.