Let us talk about what could be, should be and soon – will be. “Smart Operable/Moveable Wall Systems.” Over the years the traditional Movable/Operable, even though it is designed to be a dynamic product, has remained static in its functionality. But we are now in the ever-changing world and century of smart technology. Movable/Operable Wall manufacturers now have the opportunity, skills & technology to revolutionize the functionality of movable/operable walls – a growing & essential element of building design. The Smart Operable Wall” is sitting there and poised and waiting to become a dynamic and intelligent component of our spaces and life. Let us explore some ways.
An operable wall, when in place across the space being divided, is a flat surface that provides all kinds of possibilities: it should be more than a divider, its potential limited only by the imagination of the specifier and user. It could be an interactive surface with accessories and tools that will seamlessly integrate with the operating systems of the building or home in which it is installed. Imagine a movable wall that could display information, control other devices, and systems, provide warnings, and adapt to the needs of the area occupants in addition to providing space, sight, and acoustic division.
Acoustic Control
All movable walls can reduce sound transmission passing from one side to the other. The ability of a moveable/operable partitions to stop sound is indicated as being the walls STC. The higher the STC the better. Most systems specified and used have an STC ranging from 40 to 55. But the moveable walls are not perfect: they are not soundproof. Some unwanted sound will leak through often for reasons that are not associated with the wall itself. As a solution, imagine an integral, built-in system of sound technology that would eliminate this remaining unwanted sound: ANC or Active Noise Cancellation. ANC systems use microphones to detect ambient noise and generate an inverse sound wave - (speakers generate the opposite sound wave to cancel it out. This is a technology commonly found today in headphones, but it can also be applied to larger spaces. It is complex – yes – requiring the need for multiple microphones to be strategically placed throughout the room – but it is possible. If unwanted sound, based on variable uses of the created rooms, is detected by microphones and speakers after the wall is in place then an installed processor installed in the wall itself would analyze the situation & generate the cancellation signal. ANC systems are highly effective for low frequency noise and general ambient noise rather than eliminating specific sounds.
Another possibility is “Sound Masking Systems.” These systems generate consistent background noise through speakers installed in the wall, to mask or obscure unwanted sound thus reducing its perceived loudness and clarity. The generator and control unit can be placed in the wall cavity and based on predetermined levels of unwanted sound would be automatically activated. The sound masking system will then mask general background noise, improve speech privacy, and reduce distractions.
Another developing method is “Vibration Dampening Technology.” This is a system that does not require the use of ancillary components to control unwanted noise. Instead, it focuses on preventing the panel from becoming a medium for sound waves to travel. Sound (noise in this case) is a vibration: energy. When sound waves strike an operable wall some of that energy is converted into vibrations within the panel cavity resulting in sound being radiated to the other skin and into the adjacent space. Vibration dampening materials within a redesigned panel aim to absorb or dissipate this energy (noise) before it can be re-emitted as sound. Materials such as polymer dampers, mass loaded vinyl’s, resilient channels, damping compounds and acoustic sealants etc. can all help to reduce vibration transmission. The problem for operable wall manufacturers is cost and investment. Designing a panel that may never be used, determining the correct materials and in what proportion and location within the system, designing complementary perimeter sealing systems and components, paying the cost of laboratory sound tests, panel weights, and thickness, etc. are all unknowns.
Of the three, especially for executive/corporate conference rooms, which is the primary application for these options, “Sound Masking” is a more practical and cost-effective option. It can cover a wider range of noises, focusses on speech privacy and is much more cost effective.
Visual Options
Digital Display Capabilities
Display Screens: Incorporate within the movable wall system screens or display panels that can show digital content ranging from plain text to videos, animations, interactive applications. Touch screen technology will allow users to interact directly with the displayed content. Useful for information sharing, presentations, advertising (digital signage), entertainment, TV shows and even video games. Conveys information more effectively than plain text. Content is more engaging and customizable, can be changed easily. The display screens (LCD, OLED, LED) can be incorporated directly into the panel structure. Excellent for corporate boardrooms in offices, education, and healthcare.
Whiteboards: Used now but not to the extent that they could. Provide a writing surface for notetaking, diagramming, problem solving, teaching, and learning etc. Stimulates creative thinking, improves collaboration, is very flexible and practical. Corporate boardrooms, hospitality applications, and educational facilities.
What is the difference between the two? Digital focusses on pre-existing content in a visual format while whiteboards focus on creating added content. Whiteboards are also considerably less costly.
Other Possibilities
Lighting Integration: embedded lighting for tasks or accent purposes. Customizable light patterns and colors to change mood or atmosphere.
Environmental Control: Integrate with HVAC systems for climate control. Sensors for light, temperature, and humidity with an accompanying display panel.
Privacy and Security: Integrated and controlled blinds and shades for light control and privacy.
Power and Connectivity: Built in power outlets and data points for devices. Wireless charging capabilities.
Sensor integration: Occupancy sensors for energy efficiency. Environmental sensors for air quality and noise levels.
Conclusion
The potential for “smart operable walls” to revolutionize interior space is unlimited. In the next few years as technology and the design and possibilities for change in movable walls progress, we can anticipate even more groundbreaking features and benefits. Architects, consumers, and manufacturers need to embrace the future and work together to make movable walls more dynamic and useful.
