What really makes a room audible? The most important factors for optimal speech intelligibility
As acoustics experts atapn® —in collaboration with the design firmacp® —we continually discover just how complex the topic of speech intelligibility really is. Reverberation time is often considered the be-all and end-all. However, acoustically pleasant and truly functional spaces can only be created when, in addition to the mathematical fundamentals, the individual needs and specific characteristics of the users are understood and incorporated.
Every space is as unique as the people who use it—and that is precisely the focus of our acoustic engineering. Together with our clients, we don’t just look at the floor plan and calculate absorption areas; we also conduct a detailed analysis of:
- What functional characteristics define the space?
- What is the goal of the company or organization?
- What are the specific needs of the local people?
- Are there any specific requirements, such as flexible use of space, inclusion in schools, or a particular corporate culture?
Our experience shows that optimal speech intelligibility is not achieved through numbers alone, but also by taking psychoacoustic factors into account—that is, by considering how spaces are actually experienced and perceived. Soft factors such as subjective well-being, the need for privacy, or the promotion of interaction are just as important as calculated absorption coefficients.
That’s why we combine technology with design: Through integrated acoustic engineering, we create solutions that not only work but also feel good and strengthen connections. After all, a truly “audible” space supports communication, concentration, and the well-being of all users.
Want to improve your spaces? We offer comprehensive advice—and listen carefully.