Quick Guide to Architectural Acoustics

In many international projects, where sound quality is not a priority, building physics and the role of the acoustic engineer are considered far too late in the design to be able to have an optimal effect. The result can be a potentially practical building which is unusable unless expensive alterations are made due to noise, reverberation and loss of spoken-word clarity. For this reason, it is essential that acoustic engineering is considered early on in the project. When considering building acoustics, engineers tend to concentrate on two distinct areas: reducing noise from machinery and other users and controlling sound reflections.

The Basics of Sound Reflections

In building physics, engineers look to use and omit overlapping sounds to produce a comfortable acoustic environment. Straight surfaces, such as large flat walls without decoration, reflect sound back into the central space and can cause an echoing effect. When this happens, users hear not only their own voices but also all the amplified noise of the other voices around them. This makes conversation difficult and leads to raised voices, which exacerbates the issue.

Engineers know that many small curved edges will break up and diminish the echoing effect. Echoing is moderated when sound waves travel within 30 milliseconds of each other. This is advantageous, as any sound reverberation becomes quieter and less overpowering and reduces the vicious circle of raised voices. Likewise, one single large curve will amplify sound with more clarity – this has been used by amphitheatres as a way of projecting sound since Roman times.

Using Texture and Material in Acoustical Treatment

Materials and textures absorb and reflect sound frequencies differently. As already mentioned, flat, hard surfaces have the highest reflective qualities, whereas soft and curved textures absorb sound. Hard, flat material can cause echoing because there is no noise penetration. However, this can be very useful when considering the installation of acoustic windows or acoustic doors. In locations such as factory offices, TV studios and medical laboratories, acoustic windows are an excellent noise-control mechanism.

Creating Acoustic Enclosures

All machinery generates noise, and in most circumstances we have no control over how much noise is produced. In these cases acoustic engineers must use noise-control technology to create acoustic enclosures to reduce the impact. These enclosures create a containing space where the transmission of noise through sound waves or material vibration is lessened.

Get the Right Advice

In the end, it is a complicated process, and it is vital to ensure the acoustical qualities of a building are fit for purpose. IAC is the world’s largest provider of noise control products and systems. With over 70 years of international experience across a wide range of disciplines, we are the company businesses turn to when looking to make their world a quieter place.