Inching towards a ‘noise safe’ world

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Noise is probably the most frequently forgotten of the environmental pollutants whose effects can be far-reaching. Noise harms us in more ways than we can think of and at times without us even knowing about it. We cannot have a noise free world but we sure can have a noise safe world. There are various sources of noise pollution. In some places noise from construction projects predominate, while in others it is vehicular traffic or noise from airports. Other sources include the noise in occupational settings or even the noise of simultaneous conversations. In our country unleashed loudspeakers disturb the neighbourhood on seemingly endless nights, where the laws are either battered in the name of religion or just for fun.

Talking of the business world, office noise poses some serious concerns. But the severity of this potential problem is overlooked. In a recent study completed for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) by Yankelovich Partners, 70% of office workers polled agreed that productivity can increase if office noise is decreased. But a subsequent study (conducted for ASID by LC Williams and Associates) proved that business executives do not acknowledge office noise: 81% of those who polled reported they were not concerned with office noise.

Through this discrepancy, it is apparent that companies must increase their attentiveness of the acoustic environments of open-office spaces, if business success is to be achieved. Beyond productivity, office acoustics also affects employee health and safety. Many studies acknowledge that noise (even at low levels) is a cause of stress that causes health problems such as digestive disorders, headache, hypertension, and ulcers. Unhealthy employees not only would be a cause of concern but also their health is directly proportional to their productivity and hence their performance. One of the most important aspects of an open office, as far as productivity is concerned, is the ability to conduct work without distraction.

Architects and interior designers have a big and profound responsibility to design functional and sound safe environments. It is very difficult, if not impossible to meet these goals without considering acoustics. Acoustics is essential to the functioning of almost every type of environment. Some environments can even become dangerously loud and unsafe for the occupants. In order to effectively address these issues, acoustics should be considered in the design phase itself. If your space does not meet the needs of the end user or is found to be unsafe, you could be held liable, and worst yet, you could be putting people in danger.

Very often, noise does not produce visible results. That is why probably, people believe that noise does not cause health hazards. But as per different studies, noise creates health hazards affecting children the most, with etremely high noise levels even causing hear loss in newborns.

Virtually every space demands acoustic attention in order to function for its specified purpose. Architects and Interior designers have a notion that acoustically treated spaces are not aesthetically appealing. But thanks to the perseverance of certain individuals and their constant innovative study and experience, today’s acoustics have both ‘beauty and brains’. Now acoustics is no more limited only to the dark cinema halls or big auditoriums, it has become a part of homes, offices, hospitals, educational institutes and also retail spaces.

Allowing the end-users to experience true acoustic comfort in the spaces designed will be appreciated anytime. Noise can cause irritation, annoyance, anxiety, anti-social behaviour, hostility and violence. It should not be forgotten.

When one is designing an open office, he should always consider the acoustic impact of the materials being used. Think about where are the people being placed, how are the job types being grouped, sound masking, the type of telephones being used, panel heights and ceiling systems.

There are plenty of solutions available to combat potential acoustic problems in open-office spaces in order to facilitate employee productivity. In the past, there has been a stigma associated with acoustic products. Some professionals think they’re utilitarian and that they limit your design options, but this could be nothing but taking one further away from the truth.