“sound is the vocabulary of nature”

Pierre Shaeffer

Now that we have officially entered Spring, a much welcomed respite from the windy winter months, we begin to notice the cues. Longer days of sunlight, warmer air, the scent of (and allergic reactions to) blooming trees + grasses, and birds chirping.

These sensory experiences signal to us that a new phase has arrived. For many, it offers hope, relief, + a restored appreciation for the impermanence of all things. While each sense plays a vital role in our overall experience of the built environment, today, we will focus on sound.

Acoustics is essentially the scientific study (physics) of sound - its production or source, transmission, + effects (how it is perceived).

What is Acoustics?

The field of acoustics spans millennia, beginning with the study of sound vibrations in ancient civilizations. Ancient Egyptian hearths + Chinese Bronze Bells exhibit a knowledge + understanding of how size, shape, + material impact the qualities of sound.

While we won’t go into the psychology of sound perception as it relates to our experience, know that safety, belonging, connection, desire, inspiration, + emotion are all influenced by our auditory environment.

The need for sound reduction, leading to the modern study of acoustics, was propelled heavily by the Industrial Revolution.

How does it impact design?

Each interior space will require different acoustic solutions. For example, an amphitheater’s considerations are quite different from a retail or workplace environment. Now, layer in the design concept + target customer of the space + again the factors evolve.

Regardless of our awareness of it, sound is affecting each of us on a vibrational + subconscious level.

Our goal as designers is to create environments that thoughtfully engage all senses, creating spaces that connect people with place + most importantly, with each other.

Things to consider

For some projects, the goal is a lively, energetic space that is dynamic + inspiring. For others, calm + serious are the vibe. Acoustics play an important role in the user experience + project success.

• Project type + budget

  • Are you a luxury retailer, office, or a neighborhood bar?

• Ideal customer

  • Who are you providing service / appealing to?

• Workplace culture

  • Are you hybrid?

  • What percentage of your work is individual vs. collaborative?

  • What level / type of talent are you trying to attract?

• Industry type

  • Are you a startup tech company or an established law firm?

These qualifiers, among many others, determine the acoustical needs of the space. For most projects, designers can provide easy solutions, but in specialized cases, we consult with a professional.

An Acoustician can measure + quantify the sound effects of a space + offer ways to improve them to create the desired environmental experience the designer wants to achieve.

Other factors

Even when a project is straightforward, existing site conditions can prevent us from easily mitigating any sound issues.

• HVAC conditions (air leaks, lack of proper duct insulation, etc.)

• Open ceiling design in an open floorplan workplace

• Confidential or proprietary information being shared

• Privacy requirements for phone rooms + HR rooms

The appropriate solution depends not only on the problem but the design goal in mind.

Designer solutions

Below are a few things we use to support acoustics in our spaces.

• Double layer glass walls vs single

• Fully extending gypsum walls to the deck vs just to the ceiling

• Sound masking + white noise

• Soft vs hard flooring materials

• Fabric wrapped wall panels

• Ceiling “clouds” + absorbtive ceiling materials