Coworking Works Differently. Its Acoustics Should Too.
Coworking spaces have come a long way over the last decade.
What started as a solution for freelancers and startups has evolved into a mainstream workplace model, used by everyone from independent consultants to established businesses and global brands. Flexibility, community and access to shared amenities, as well as the rise of remote working, have made coworking an increasingly attractive alternative to traditional office space.
But while the way we work has changed, the way we design these spaces hasn’t always kept pace.
Many coworking environments are still approached like conventional offices. The reality is that they function very differently and that has significant implications for acoustic design.
More People. More Activities. More Noise.
A traditional office is typically designed around a single company, a shared culture and relatively predictable ways of working.
Coworking spaces are far more complex.
At any given moment, one person might be taking a video call, another could be working on a deadline that requires deep concentration, while a team nearby is running a brainstorming session. None of these people work together, yet they are sharing the same environment.
This variety is what makes coworking spaces successful. It is also what makes them acoustically challenging.
It’s Not About Making Spaces Quiet
One of the biggest misconceptions about workplace acoustics is that the goal is silence.
In reality, successful coworking spaces need energy. The buzz of conversation, collaboration and movement is often part of the appeal.
The challenge is making sure that activity in one area doesn’t negatively affect people in another.
For designers, that means thinking beyond sound absorption alone and considering how different activities will sit alongside each other throughout the day.
Why Acoustic Zoning Matters
In many coworking spaces, acoustics are less about products and more about planning.
Focus areas, phone booths, meeting rooms, collaboration spaces and social hubs all have different acoustic needs. Without careful zoning, conversations can easily travel across the floorplate, creating distraction and reducing comfort.
This becomes even more important when you consider that people are often carrying out completely different tasks for completely different organisations within the same space.
And acoustic zoning doesn’t have to break up the space completely. Products such as our Lull, and Verta systems, help create these zones without breaking up the space to much.
The acoustic experience that works for a sales team may be entirely unsuitable for a graphic designer, software developer or financial consultant sitting nearby.
Designing for Flexibility
Another challenge is that coworking spaces rarely stand still.
Membership numbers change, layouts evolve and operators continually adapt their offer to meet demand. Acoustic strategies need to be flexible enough to evolve with the space.
Suspended acoustic elements, hanging screens and adaptable zoning solutions can all help create environments that remain effective as the workplace changes over time.
Acoustics Shape the User Experience
When people choose a coworking space, they’re not just choosing a desk. They’re choosing an environment that helps them do their best work.
That’s why acoustics play such an important role.
The most successful coworking spaces aren’t necessarily the quietest. They’re the ones that provide the right settings for different ways of working, allowing people to focus, collaborate and connect without constantly competing with unwanted noise.
As coworking continues to grow, acoustic design is becoming less of a technical consideration and more of a defining part of the user experience.
And in a market where operators are competing to attract and retain members, that experience matters more than ever.
