Two people in the same sound environment can experience it differently due to various focuses on sound sources, preconceptions, previous experiences of the sounds in the sound environment, or different activities that affect their experience.
Designing sounds
What research can teach us about the sound environment
A good sound environment that interacts with the visual design and provides a meaningful overall experience is important for our health and well-being. But achieving this is certainly a balancing act, with factors influencing both externally and internally.
For example, a person performing tasks that require high concentration in an open office environment might find a certain level of noise disturbing, while another person doing less cognitively demanding tasks in the same environment might not be affected in the same way.
In addition to hanging fabrics, the room's furniture obviously plays an important role. Here, there are endless possibilities to create an interior with textile-covered furniture that greatly impacts the room's sound environment. With both hanging and covered forms, an inviting interior is created where people feel comfortable.
Time to leave the traditional behind us
Many workplaces, especially those with open office landscapes, face challenges when it comes to the sound environment. Traditional methods focusing on decibel levels and eliminating disruptive noise can lead to an overly quiet environment that does not benefit productivity or well-being. Research shows that an optimal sound environment requires a balance between functions that suit both group and individual needs when planning and designing sound environments.
The sound environment affects our experience in an individual and subjective way. However, conventional methods for measuring and evaluating sound environments often do not take this fact into account.
A complex solution
We need to become more aware of people's needs and preferences when working with sound environments. There is no universal solution that works for everyone; instead, we must create a sound environment that is tailored to different work tasks and individual needs.
It is not enough to only reduce noise levels, it is also important to create an environment that is adapted for those who work there. A sound environment that is not created with these factors in mind can cause disruptions in the work environment and negatively affect productivity and well-being.
Interaction for a healthy environment
To create a healthy and pleasant working environment, it is important to have a holistic approach to design. For example, insufficient lighting can affect how we perceive the sound environment. And if a workplace has too much visual stimulation, it can lead to sensory overload and a stressful working environment.
Therefore, it is important to create a visual design that complements the sound environment and promotes productivity and well-being. Textile elements, and not just for example ceiling sound absorbers, are an example of materials that add both function and visual harmony. Something dynamic that breaks, frames, or complements.
A good workplace design – created from a clear idea regarding shapes, colours, and damping, but also with room for sound – considers how all elements interact to create an overall experience that is healthy and pleasant to be in.
We need to start seeing, feeling AND listening to understand if it sounds good.
The article is written by Martin Ljungdahl Eriksson, a doctor in informatics with a focus on work-integrated learning, who researches the use of sound as a design element to influence experiences and behaviours.
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