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OFFICE DESIGN
We have to
distinguish
between
welcome and
unwelcome
noise – silence
is not the
answer
energy, which is why carpets are a better
choice than hard flooring when it comes
to noise reduction. Acoustic ceiling and
wall tiles, like Eden by Era Screens, are
another good option as they reduce
reverberation time – the length of time
it takes for sound to fall 60 decibels
from its initial level. Even high backed
fabric sofas and strategically placed
plants can absorb and deflect sounds in
the office.
Block.
Solid panels can be used as
a barrier around and between workers,
to contain their noise and block the
conversations of others. For example,
the Steelcase Divisio Frameless Screen
can be used to create a boundary
between facing desks, while larger
screens, such as Nautilus by Era Screens,
can be positioned to stop sound
travelling from more noisy, relaxed areas
into spaces for quiet concentration.
Nautilus panels have been tested and
rated at 30dB noise reduction thanks
to an internal layer of sound absorbent
foam.
For added privacy, Steelcase supplies
the BrodyWorkLounge, a comfortable
cocoon where workers can go to
concentrate. Another, more dramatic
solution from Era Screens is Quiet
Space, an enclosed pod system that
provides a separate private space within
an open plan office.
It’s also a good idea to contain noise
associated with technology and specific
activities. For example, KI’s Breakout, a
stackable modular third space system, is
used as wrap screening around printers
in the new UK headquarters of film
production giant Paramount Pictures.
This solution enhances both acoustics
and aesthetics by containing the noise
of printers and bringing bursts of colour
to the environment. To minimise the
distraction of other people’s phone
conversations, the Nautilus range from
Era Screens includes a Phone Booth and
Hood specially designed for phone use.
Headsets with noise cancellation
technology can also help block ambient
sound – at its destination rather than its
source.When hearing aid manufacturer
Oticon found its employees were
struggling to concentrate in the
constant buzz of a large open office, it
approached Sennheiser to see if its MB
660 UC headset could help.
Brian Brorsbøl, director of
product management CC&O at
Sennheiser Communications,
says the MB660 has proved to
be an effective and versatile
solution. “Following a 40-day
trial period, participants experienced
a significant improvement in their
concentration and focus at work. Their
ability to communicate and collaborate
efficiently was also enhanced as the
headset’s advanced microphone system
caters for phone calls. Some even
experienced a feeling of saved energy
as they were able to create their own
‘silent room’ to focus on tasks in the
middle of a bustling office,” he said.
One of the strengths of the MB660
is that it incorporates Adaptive Active
Noise Cancellation technology, which
lets users adjust the degree of noise
cancellation for a more comfortable
listening experience. Sometimes, it is
better to hear some noise rather than
complete silence.
Cover.
This is also the theory behind
the use of sound to cover noise, as
Hindle explains: “We have to distinguish
between welcome and unwelcome
noise – silence is not the answer.
The source, repetition, volume and
frequency of noise can all play a role in
either improving an office environment
or making it a living nightmare!”
This year, Plantronics introduced
Habitat Soundscaping, an acoustic
management service for open plan
offices that uses nature-inspired audio
and visuals to mitigate distractions
due to speech. Intelligent software
automatically senses disruptive speech
and adjusts natural sounds to help
workers stay focused.
The service uses recordings of natural
water, which research indicates is most
effective at reducing the impact of
intelligible speech. Real waterfalls or
virtual displays of serene landscapes
are used to complement the audio,
creating a multi-sensory experience that
has been shown to improve cognitive
functioning and mood.
The open plan office doesn’t
have to drive workers to distraction.
Incorporating acoustic solutions to
absorb, block and cover noise, alongside
changes to office design and staff
behaviour, will give you the benefits of
open plan without the drawbacks.
Plantronics Habitat Soundscaping
KI Breakout
KI Breakout
Sennheiser
MB 660 UC
