Goal: To provide an environment free from distraction, by reducing noise levels and minimizing interruptions from nearby conversations.

• Tips/Considerations
  • Recommended reverberation time is 0.75 seconds.
  • Avoid direct sound pathways between cubicles by proper placement of wall partitions.
  • Without controlling reflections off the ceiling and perimeter walls, partitions can be ineffective.
  • Absorptive wall partitions, ceiling tile and wall treatments will be necessary to control the reverberation time.
  • Reasonable precautions should be taken to insulate against noise from adjacent rooms, machinery, ducts and external noise sources.
  • It's almost impossible to achieve speech privacy in an open office environment without installing an electronic masking system.
  • For more information on masking systems, read Creating the Ideal Workspace: Sound Masking Systems which includes a checklist of considerations.
  • Also visit the ASTM Standard Guide for Open Office Acoustics (ASTM
    E1374-02).

Related Projects

• Breakroom/Common Area
• Cafeteria
• Conference Room
• Corridor
• Counseling Office
• Lobby
• Meeting Room
• Office
• Private Office