Integrated interior architecture for better acoustics

Acoustics is a trending topic. And there's being talked about in a pretty complicated way. Sometimes I read about sound intensity, weighting curves and frequencies needing to be spattered. Who understands this? And what can we do with this? Let's above all think in a pragmatic way.

Acoustics is hot at the moment. Everyone is conscious about the importance of good acoustics for the perception of a space. But the solution being thought of, are barely ever sufficient. An interior architect for example wanting a wall carpet, because that's supposed to be good for the acoustics. But it's not that simple. Good acoustics is not achieved with one single solution. An interplay of factors creates the sound perception.

everyone involved around the table

The solution itself is simple. We must go from chain thinking, where everyone contributes a part one after another, towards an integrated approach of interior architecture. Meaning: sitting around the table with all involved parties in the design phase already, to see how the common conditions can be achieved. When designing a call centre in a big office garden for example, different supplier need to adjust their materials at each other well. If the project is a hospitality environment with hard floors and smooth table finishing, different products need to be used to realise sound absorption.

Different suppliers can provide different acoustical solutions. Manufacturers of curtains, carpets, furniture and lamps for example, also system wall builders and interior builders. All products influence the acoustics. In the design phase this can be tackled together.

test space on scale

Furthermore, it would be very interesting to work together with for example TNO to develop a testing space, where acoustical solutions can be tested. This can be done on true size, but also on scale. We could make the interior on scale with the use of 3D printing and simulate sound situations.

I'm just thinking aloud. It might sound expensive, but it's cheaper than making adaptations afterwards. Look at TivoliVredenburg for example. Immediately after opening there turned out to be acoustical problems - sound leaks between the halls. Fixing them 'only' costed three hundred thousand euros. While it could have been prevented in the design phase.

Acoustical workgroup

Let's think in an integrated way. If everyone shares their knowledge, we end up with better solutions. Because together we can give a better and broader advice than we could individually. So, who's in?

Vivian Vugts - manager marketing & communication LEOXX.