A good basic knowledge of sound helps you make a better choice of acoustic solutions
Working from home has recently made the importance of a pleasant working environment clear to us again. In addition to good lighting and good ventilation, a pleasant working environment is characterised by acoustic comfort. Our stress level goes down and our concentration goes up.
But it is often unclear how to achieve acoustic comfort. Understanding how sound behaves in a space is the basis for a considered choice of material and location for acoustic solutions in that space.
How does sound travel in contact with other surfaces?
Reflection
Reflection is when a sound wave hits an object or surface such as a wall and reflects or rebounds. Reflection often occurs in areas where there are smooth and hard materials, and can lead to sound amplification, echoes or reverberation. Too much reflection can make a room noisy and irritating.
Diffusion
Diffusion of sound occurs when the texture and irregularities of an object or material are comparable to the wavelength of the sound. The nature of the surface structure determines how the sound spreads. Too much diffusion makes it difficult to determine where the sound is coming from.
Absorption
Sound can be absorbed when it encounters an object or material. It is then converted into heat energy in the object or material that absorbs it. The amount of energy absorbed or allowed through depends on the thickness and nature of the material. Too little absorption causes sound to reflect.
Tip: Let sound reach the wall more often!
Sound can behave in many more ways but these examples show how important it is to base the choice of materials on how sound behaves in a space.
Choosing an acoustic ceiling is obvious. The ceiling is a large surface without windows or doors. You can do whatever you want with it. Because sound fields can also move in horizontal planes, it is smart to take walls into account much more often.
Like to know which acoustic solution is suitable for your situation? Contact us.
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