As building systems continue to evolve, noise remains the same—acceptable or annoying. The former often goes unnoticed and the latter requires attention. Noise is the number one occupant complaint in many projects. Various research indicates that hospital patients complain about noise more than anything else. For those who travel, it should come as no surprise that noise is the biggest complaint among hotel guests. Even in restaurants, noise was the number one complaint in Zagat's latest national dining survey. Various studies indicate that noise can negatively impact occupants by ultimately lowering productivity and increasing stress levels. This “invisible” problem is loud and clear.

While building systems may change, noise is a constant condition that is best addressed during the design process. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and noise is often addressed in the final design stages or after customers move in and the complaints start. Solutions to most “noise problems” typically require the examination of multiple paths, and how they interact with each other and relevant building systems. By properly addressing all noise sources, offices can become more productive, conference room meetings more effective, and hospital patients more comfortable. A firm grasp of the basics can go a long way towards achieving spaces that allow occupants to maximize the intended use, whether it be sleeping, working, learning, or eating.

Acoustical Characteristics

There are several acoustical characteristics that occupants typically notice when entering a space. The first is often background noise, that is, how loud or quiet a space is. Another is how reverberant a space is. When there are surrounding occupied spaces, the noise isolation (or lack thereof) provided by building assemblies can become apparent. While these metrics can directly impact the occupants, they can also influence the decision to rent or buy a building or space. Class A office space, for example, typically achieves lower background noise levels than Class B or C, which is one reason why it commands a higher price per square foot. Integrating acoustics into the client dialogue early helps optimize the design process and end result for everyone involved.

Photo courtesy of Price Industries

Properly addressing all noise sources allows building occupants to be more comfortable and productive.