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Room acoustics – invisible, but indispensable
Room acoustics are like invisible ocean currents – we can’t smell, taste, see or touch them. Nevertheless, it has enormous power, as it has a considerable influence on our well-being.
But what is the secret of good room acoustics?
It is crucial to know when which product should be used in which combination and position for the respective room type and usage characteristics. When this knowledge is paired with experience, the result is an unexpected treasure trove of expertise.
Simple basics that you can still remember:
Absorbers, such as our apn® Vinta ceiling panels, reduce reverberation and echoes. They absorb the sound energy that is carried into the room by a sound source. Physically, they convert this sound energy into heat so that the sound intensity decreases and the sound is attenuated.
In contrast, diffusers scatter the sound waves in different directions instead of absorbing them. This leads to a diffuse transmission of sound in the room and prevents flutter echoes. With our acoustic baffles from the apn Lamella® series, we combine both advantages. They act both as absorbers and diffusers, as they break up the sound in the speech-relevant area like wave breakers.
Let’s work together to improve the room acoustics in your environment. Contact us and make an appointment for a non-binding introductory meeting.
Room & acoustics
Understanding the entirety of the room
A room is much more than just a physical space defined by walls, floors and ceilings. It is a living interplay that influences our perception and behavior. The way a space is designed can shape our mood, our productivity and even our social interactions. Every space serves as an outer shell, a framework for the events that take place there. It should therefore be considered in a differentiated way based on its geometry, materials and usage characteristics.
The complexity of events taking place in rooms
The complexity of the events that take place in rooms results from a variety of factors that influence behavior and interactions within a room. We would like to break down some aspects for you below:
- Physical properties of the room: The size, shape and materials used in a room have a significant influence on the propagation of sound, light and temperature. These physical properties have a direct impact on the behavior of people in the room.
- Use and function: Different spaces fulfill different purposes, be it living, working or leisure. The specific use of a space determines which activities take place there and how people perceive and use the space.
- Social interactions: Spaces serve as places for social interactions. The design of the space can significantly influence the way people interact with each other. For example, open spaces encourage communication and collaboration, while enclosed spaces offer privacy.
- Cultural and psychological factors: The perception and use of spaces is strongly influenced by cultural and individual psychological factors. Different cultures have different ideas about how spaces should be used and designed.
- Technological influences: Modern technologies such as smart home systems and digital means of communication are fundamentally changing the way rooms are used. These technologies can improve the functionality and efficiency of rooms, but they also bring new challenges.
- Dynamic changes: Rooms are not static structures; they change over time. Changes in use, renovations, revitalizations and adaptations to new requirements all contribute to complexity.
The company shapes the space
Even if the events that take place in rooms are complex: Your company shapes the space – not the space shapes your company! Think holistically!
The trend towards agile workplaces requires a comprehensive restructuring of both the company organization and the working environment. Given that the average useful life of office space is only three years, continuous restructuring and innovative design approaches are essential.
Careful planning is crucial here. Aspects such as space planning, functionality, digitalization, interior design and room acoustics must be harmonized. Every room has specific acoustic requirements that call for flexible and customized measures. We at apn® accept this challenge and are committed to revolutionizing room acoustics.
Understanding room acoustics
As a sub-aspect of acoustic science, room acoustics examines the effects of the structural conditions of a room on the sound events that take place there. This includes conversations between teams and colleagues, telephone calls, keyboard noises, technical devices and many other sources of noise.
At apn®, this term is also linked to people’s personal interaction with the room. As people move through a room and therefore also the sound sources, it is crucial to take these diverse and dynamic sound sources into account. Just as rooms are viewed in three dimensions, sound propagates in three dimensions. It can also bend around obstacles and penetrate through materials.
The focus here is on speech intelligibility and limiting the reverberation time. To achieve this, the right balance must be found between room attenuation (absorption) and diffusivity (dispersion) of the sound.
Synergies for optimum room acoustics
The new, flexible workplaces place high demands on acoustic design. A well-founded analysis of acoustic requirements is essential in order to create future-proof working environments. Cooperation between manufacturers, planning offices and acoustic engineers is of crucial importance here. Only through close cooperation can innovative solutions be developed that meet the specific requirements of each room.
Well-designed and flexible room acoustics play a central role in modern working environments and are far more than just a “nice-to-have”. Only when all the details come together does the room find its sound and become a lively place for collaboration.
Feel free to contact ourcrew and let’s redesign your sound together!
Happy holidays
At a time when the waves of political and economic uncertainty are rising, we would like to pause and wish you a peaceful and reflective holiday season. May the wind always be at your back, the compass maneuver you safely through the stormy waters of challenges and the anchor rest in confidence, strength and community.
We wish you happy holidays and a successful journey into 2025.
Your crew from apn®
P.S.: We are on vacation from 23.12.24 to 31.12.24 and can therefore only be reached sporadically. From 02.01.25 we will be there for you again as usual.
apn – one brand, two companies
Since our foundation in February 2009, apn® has developed into a brand that unites two specialized companies: apn® acoustic solutions and apn® concepts & projects (acp®).
apn® acoustic solutions specializes in high-performance, innovative room acoustics solutions in a modern, Nordic-clear design. Acoustic products for ceilings, walls, rooms and furniture, both with and without lighting, are developed and produced in various departments in our factory.
With acp®, founded in 2018, we offer comprehensive planning services that are tailored to the needs of modern working environments. Our planning office develops and implements tailor-made office concepts that meet the individual requirements of every company.
Did you know that, in addition to acoustic solutions, we also offer complete office concepts? Or that we can help you restructure your working environment from needs analysis to implementation?
Thanks to the acoustic engineering expertise bundled in acp® and the close cooperation with network partners who contribute expert know-how from the fields of engineering, architecture, digitalization, craftsmanship and office equipment, we take on planning tasks holistically.
Contact us today to find out more about our services and how we can support you!
Together, we create functional and pleasant working environments that impress through close collaboration and combined expertise.
Black Friday – Black accents in interior design
On the last Friday in November, Black Friday, everything revolves around the color black – and not just in the offers! Black is more than just a color; it is a powerful stylistic tool in interior design. It stands for elegance, depth, sophistication, reliability, professionalism and timeless modernity.
With apn® we use the different shades of black to not only set visual accents, but also to optimize room acoustics. Our products in black and all its shades offer a perfect balance between functionality and aesthetics, creating an atmosphere that is both calming and inspiring.
Discover how our acoustic solutions in black can transform your rooms – not just on Black Friday, but all year round!
The future of office work
A strong corporate culture cannot be forced
The impact of the pandemic has brought the need for hybrid working into focus. The flexibilization of the working world has an impact on the office market, but does not call into question the relevance of the office. Companies should ensure that their office space is adapted to the new market. Flexible working, changeable spaces and adaptable real estate are replacing old, fixed office structures.
The role of face-to-face work
The “Connected Work Innovation Hub” study published by the Fraunhofer Institute at the end of 2023 sheds light on the hybrid working world and its challenges. It focuses in particular on the role of on-site work in the company. It becomes clear that physical presence in the office is of central importance for informal, spontaneous and unplanned encounters that promote innovation and creativity. In order to intensify collaboration, offices are designed as places of encounter and exchange.
Managers are required to organize their presence work in such a way that both individual and team responsibility are strengthened. This requires trust, active communication and the ability to build positive relationships. In addition, presence work supports social participation and strengthens employee loyalty to the company, which is particularly important to promote a sense of belonging and team spirit.
The study also shows that a balanced mix of on-site and remote work can have a positive impact on employees’ performance and innovative strength. Complex tasks and creative processes can be managed more effectively with a physical presence. Despite the advantages of mobile working, it is emphasized that physical presence in the office continues to play a key role in supporting and promoting the aspects mentioned.
Main problem: poor room acoustics
However, one of the main problems in face-to-face work has been the lack of room acoustics for years. In the recently published OFFICE-ROXX reader survey “Room acoustics 2024”, it once again became clear that there is a great need for action here. A full 85% of respondents stated that they suffer from acoustic disturbance in the office and that this has a negative impact on their work.
As in previous years, telephone calls and conversations with colleagues were listed as the main sources of noise. Office technology (e.g. printers, document shredders, etc.), keyboard clatter and mouse clicks, air conditioning systems and ventilation units were also cited as major sources of noise pollution.
The results prove once again that inadequate room acoustics measures are an essential disruptive factor for knowledge work and have an impact on the well-being and productivity of employees. Numerous studies also show that acoustic disturbances have a negative impact on employees’ health. Serious symptoms include concentration problems, headaches and nervousness.
Both employee satisfaction and employee health play an important role in the success of the workplace strategy. These have a positive influence on the well-being, motivation, commitment and performance of employees. The list of employee concerns is extensive and varies from company to company. However, high-quality workplace and room architecture, sustainability, modern technologies, well-being options and noise-optimized planning are always cited as important criteria.
Loss of performance due to hearing stress
Already 26 years ago, the study by Banbury and Berry (1998) showed that noise in the workplace can impair cognitive performance and productivity, with productivity losses of up to 20%. This finding underlines the potential for significant financial losses in companies due to inadequate room acoustics.
Hearing is a sense that we cannot turn off. Due to evolution, hearing protects us from potential dangers. So we can’t help but listen. However, if our brain is constantly processing the sounds around us and assessing them for danger, this listening effort impairs our cognitive performance. This can lead to the health restrictions already mentioned or, in the worst case, to total loss of working capacity.
When planning a new use of space, care should therefore be taken to arrange the individual usage zones and the associated walkways from loud to quiet. Holistic space planning also includes an acoustic concept tailored to the project. Measures such as ceiling panels and baffles, wall absorbers, room dividing and shielding elements and curtains help to absorb sound or provide diffusion.
However, caution is advised here. The market is currently flooded with many self-proclaimed “experts” and products. Many interlocking factors affect the acoustics of a room. It is important to analyze, understand and implement the complexity of the events taking place there. Simply integrating sound-absorbing materials into a room without the right know-how will quickly lead to disillusionment and nullify efforts to create a good working environment. It is not for nothing that there are engineering offices for acoustics and noise protection as well as specialist acoustics offices that provide advice and expertise.
Design of magnetizing office spaces …
Since the pandemic, the importance of flexible spaces for communication and work structures has risen from 6% to 33%. The challenge now is to implement these spaces correctly. Companies need to be aware of their role and identify the criteria that will ensure these spaces are accepted and used effectively by employees.
In the past, various activities were usually carried out in a fixed location, such as a single office. Nowadays, however, there are different zones that require a change of work location depending on the activity. As an attractive place to work, the office now offers new functions and elements that take into account employees’ individual preferences for a working environment and ideally balance out the advantages of working from home.
The places where our employees come together should combine value orientation, aesthetics and functionality. In addition to hard factors such as spatial functions that suit the company, technical equipment and suitable furniture, it is important not to ignore soft factors such as acoustics. Ergonomic workstations are now considered standard in office planning. However, auditory measures should also become standard in any planning.
… and the relevance of room acoustics
Topics such as well-being, mental health and value-oriented spaces are among the top 3 Future Work Trends 2025. And yet: less than half of those surveyed want to invest in better room acoustics. Shocking when you consider that these are investments in precisely these topics! Employee centricity is crucial for the “war for talent”.
The sooner we know about apn® are involved in the planning and development process, the easier it is to create an acoustically balanced atmosphere. As the concepts of usage profiles, interiors and acoustics are seamlessly interlinked during a space revitalization, we can identify acoustic obstacles at an early stage and avoid complex and costly optimization measures later on.
Without careful acoustic design, open office concepts cannot reach their full potential. New Work and Open Office benefit from the individuality of the spaces, which are tailored to the specific needs of the users. In order to do justice to the complex sound environments in these modern working environments, we rely on sound expertise and a wide range of design options. This holistic approach enables us to create workspaces that are not only functional and acoustically balanced, but also promote inspiration and well-being. This forms the basis for productive and happy working in the world of New Work.
Sources:
- “Connected Work Innovation Hub” study by the Fraunhofer Institute
- Reader survey “Room acoustics 2024”
- Banbury, S. P., & Berry, D. C. (1998). Disruption of office-related tasks by speech and office noise. British Journal of Psychology, 89(3), 499-517.
- Future Work Trends 2025