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Acoustic solutions for a two-person workspace

In traditional two-person offices, different activities often take place at the same time: one person is focused while the other is on the phone. It is precisely in situations like this that it becomes clear how important it is to “control” the room acoustics—and how poor planning can have a negative impact on productivity and well-being.

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Base situation: no acoustic measures

The room is carpeted. All other boundary surfaces are sound-reflecting (e.g., concrete, glass, or plaster).

Acoustic values
  • Sound pressure level: 60 dB(A)
  • Speech transmission index STI: 0.59
  • Reverberation time in the speech frequency range 250 to 2,000 Hz: 1.2 to 0.7 sec.
Problem

Both the reverberation time and the sound pressure level significantly exceed the requirements of ASR A3.7. Speech intelligibility is too high—an acoustically unacceptable situation for concentrated work.

Solution option 1

Divider panel between workstations

An additional 1.6 m high divider panel is positioned centrally between the two workstations.

Acoustic values
  • Sound pressure level: 57 dB(A)
  • Speech transmission index STI: 0.63
  • Reverberation time in the speech frequency range 250 to 2,000 Hz: 1 to 0.5 sec.
Assessment

Slight improvement through shielding. However, the reverberation time remains too high and speech intelligibility is too clear. This measure alone is therefore not sufficient.

Dividers

Solution option 2

Full-surface acoustic ceiling

In addition to the carpet, a sound-absorbing ceiling solution will be installed.

Acoustic values
  • Sound pressure level: 55 dB(A)
  • Speech transmission index STI: 0.68
  • Reverberation time in the speech frequency range 250 to 2,000 Hz: 0.5 to 0.4 sec.
Assessment

The reverberation time meets the requirements of ASR A3.7. However, the sound pressure level is still above the limit value. Telephone calls remain disruptive to concentrated work.

Ceiling elements

Solution option 3

Combination of ceiling absorbers and panel walls

Both measures are combined: acoustic ceiling and screening by means of a divider panel.

Acoustic values
  • Sound pressure level: 53 dB(A)
  • Speech transmission index STI: 0.68
  • Reverberation time in the speech frequency range 250 to 2,000 Hz: 0.4 to 0.3 sec.
Assessment

Best result! The values are significantly optimized. However, speech intelligibility is still too high. Telephone conversations remain audible.

Dividers
Ceiling elements

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