When looking at a space acoustically, the same
principles from 50 years ago still apply today. Although
architectural and interior design styles have changed –
along with the way we use spaces, and the equipment in
them – good acoustical design is still an integral part
of making the space fulfill its purpose. Whether we’re
looking at retail space, a restaurant, open-plan
offices, a videoconference room, a theater, a courtroom,
an educational space, medical space, or another facility
space, the implementation of an acoustical ceiling is
one of many practical ways to help achieve acoustical
success. It can provide necessary absorption,
reflection, or isolation and can be cost effective and
environmentally friendly as well.
The application of acoustical principles to the built
environment acknowledges that the purpose of that space
is to facilitate communication and community – the basis
of what we call “acoustically reinforced architecture.”
The good news is that aesthetics don’t need to be
sacrificed for the sake of good acoustics (nor vice
versa). There are many product options on the market
that are compatible with a wide variety of design
approaches. As awareness of the importance of acoustics
grows, the need for new acoustical solutions is required
for new or unique applications. Manufacturers are
continually working to provide products that are
attractive to their client base. For instance, there are
numerous fabric- or plaster-faced ceiling products that
have the appearance of gypsum board. These products
maintain a high acoustical performance while allowing
more design freedom. They avoid the 2-foot by 2-foot
grid look and replace it with the seamlessness of
sheetrock. Other products – for instance, those made of
perforated wood – can provide a warm feeling while being
acoustically helpful (and a renewable resource).
In building design, environmental
quality is being taken into consideration now more than
ever, often translating into spaces with higher
ceilings, more window surface area, and greater airflow.
This provides better lighting and ventilation, and earns
LEED points, but also has the potential to increase
mechanical noise and decrease speech privacy. Products
with mineral fiber backing can prove especially useful
in reducing the build-up of noise and acoustically
isolating spaces. They provide the absorptive
characteristics of an acoustical ceiling tile (ACT)
while providing better sound isolation than the typical
ACT.
In many design cases where acoustical absorption is
necessary, a good broadband absorber is the optimal
solution. This is difficult to find in many absorptive
products that are attached directly to a surface because
of inadequate absorptive properties at low frequencies;
however, the air cavity created when suspending a
ceiling grid below a structure allows great absorption
at low frequencies. When coupled with an absorptive
product that performs well at mid and high frequencies,
it’s a great broadband absorber.
Keep in mind that acoustical ceiling products are a
great boon, but must be part of an overall design
solution for the best results. In other words, the room
still needs to be optimally designed for good acoustics.
Ceiling tiles are part of the strategy, but not a
fix-all.
Justin Meyer is a consultant at Thorburn
Associates Inc., which has offices in northern and
southern California, and North Carolina. He can be
reached at jem@ta-inc.com or (919)
463-9995.