Open-Plan Acoustics From A to D

摘要

Ringing telephones, conversations, and even the street noise outside can cause major concentration issues for the estimated 70% of office workers who work in open-plan work areas. "In the hierarchy of things that bug you, the most distracting is intelligible, understandable conversation," says Art Barkman, president of noise control solution provider Sound Management Group. "The second would be intermittent mechanical sounds, and the last is a constant mechanical sound, like HVAC, which really doesn't interfere with anybody unless it's excessively loud." A typical open plan office offers few opportunities to stop unwanted sound from traveling, but you may be able to mitigate many complaints by addressing your space's layout.