New solutions and acoustic parameters
Nowadays, there are many new helpful acoustic solutions such as ceilings and wall panels of interesting appearance and form, and – importantly – new acoustic parameters that include the specifics of modern offices. For instance, the defining of the scale of understandable talks is possible thanks to the parameter describing the acoustics of interior – radius of distraction. New parameters defining the sound-proof materials are accessible to us on different markets where open space offices have already been operating for years. Thus, Articulation Class (AC – the speech privacy rate) defines the ability of suspended ceiling to dampen the sound of speech. All differences in effectiveness of ceilings of various AC in open space offices are presented on the pictures below. The point of reference is decrease in the level of speech sound by 10 dB since such value is perceived as decrease of the sound by half. It is also envisaged that speech at the level of ca. 47 dB does not disturb us. Moreover, identical offices were compared within the analysis – they were only different due to the ability of ceiling to dampen the speech sound. In the office with ceiling of the value AC = 200, the sound resonated by 10 dB at a distance of ca. 7 m from the speaking person, and in the case of ceiling of the value AC = 150 – at a distance of 17 m. It means that the sound of talking still disturbs people working at a distance of 17 m from the speaking person.
Physical comfort of employee
The establishment of a good operating office – the one which favors effectiveness and well-being of employees – requires comprehensive knowledge and thorough approach to technical aspects concerning the comfort of office environment. Ecophon delivers not only acoustic solutions but also it provides specialist knowledge about planning the acoustics in offices, education of employees and conducting the process of change. It is worth taking the initiative and making the issue of physical comfort of employees serious. The effects will be noticeable at least for five years.
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