Communities and acoustic correction: each building has its own needs and solutions
The acoustic challenges faced by local authorities are multifaceted, depending on the building, the nature of the activities, and existing regulations. For those in charge, the goal is to ensure optimal conditions for welcoming, learning, interaction, and work, fostering the well-being of everyone. Let's take a closer look at this issue.
What is acoustic correction?
Important point: soundproofing and acoustic treatment of a room should not be confused. The former aims to reduce the transmission of noise between different rooms within the same room, from the inside to the outside of the room and vice versa.
While acoustic treatment focuses on a room’s ability to absorb unwanted noise (those that cause annoyance) that interferes with other noises, improving acoustic comfort begins by measuring and identifying the source of the noise. Corrections are then made using various technical means such as acoustic wall panels, soundproof ceilings, acoustic partitions on desks, and so on. All these solutions will reduce acoustic reverberation and make noise less bothersome .
Today, there are many practical ways to improve the work environment. It’s simply a matter of choosing them carefully with the help of specialists.
Reducing noise in facilities that accommodate children
Acoustic comfort is a crucial issue in communal spaces used by children and students. One approach is to reduce the noise level of equipment (for example, by adding noise-reducing pads to furniture legs or choosing low-noise equipment). Another solution is to use small partitions or acoustic dividers to isolate and partially absorb sound. Furthermore, to combat the accumulation of different noises within a single room, acoustic panels are both effective and aesthetically pleasing.
The reference text is the decree of April 25, 2003 relating to the limitation of noise in educational establishments (schools, colleges, high schools, universities and higher education establishments, regional establishments for adapted education, general, technical or vocational education establishments, public or private).
Reducing noise in living or cultural spaces
In spaces like multipurpose halls, the goal is to create a suitable environment for occupants, free from reverberation. For music rooms, for example, a high-performance acoustic environment is essential so that musicians are not bothered by room reverberation. In sports facilities such as gymnasiums, swimming pools, ice rinks, etc., the aim is to reduce noise reverberation for greater user comfort (improved intelligibility of instructions, reduced echo, particularly at human voice frequencies, etc.).
Finally, in canteens and institutional restaurants , the primary objective is to reduce the significant noise during service, for the comfort of students, adult diners and staff.
Reducing noise in government buildings and offices
This type of building encompasses a wide range of specific cases: meeting rooms, offices, reception areas, etc. Currently, they are not subject to specific acoustic regulations, but reference can be made to standards NF S 31-080 and NFS 31-199, which provide comprehensive recommendations regarding acoustics in offices and related spaces , as well as acoustic performance levels and criteria for each type of space. Three acoustic performance objectives can be achieved: standard, high-performance, or very high-performance. The primary goal is therefore to improve working conditions or address privacy issues in workspaces and living areas.
From workspace to living space
Today, the workspace is undergoing a new evolution, directly in line with our digital transition and the rise of flexible offices. Habits are changing (remote work, collaborative work, mobility, etc.), and so are needs . The office must reinvent itself to offer optimal flexibility in space and time. Living spaces are expanding and are no longer considered wasted space. The open-plan office remains the preferred format for collaborative work, but it has become essential to adapt it. Balancing the need for privacy with the necessity of better noise management, it is complemented by various amenities.
me spaces reserved for meetings, telephone calls, relaxation, etc.
The office has become a dynamic space, a place to work but also to live, making it an attractive place to be (just look at the limitations of remote work following the various lockdowns). And, for companies, this new approach also allows them to value the workspace as an asset for attracting and retaining young talent.
Dynamic spaces today are therefore large, open areas where noise reverberates. But this nuisance is not inevitable. Design options exist, and soundproofing is easily managed. Provided, of course, that the right solutions are chosen so that the office becomes both a workspace and a living space, a pleasant place to be.
Want to explore acoustic solutions that are tailored to your next design project? Take a look at our full range of acoustic solutions here or give us a call on +44 (0)20 3889 9888, email us at hello@allsfar.com or fill in our contact form on our website here.
