The world in which we live is noisy. And this unwanted noise negatively affects our ability to make sound informed decisions. As organizations and institutions recognize the critical link between acoustics and productivity, the use of innovative solutions like movable walls is gaining traction. Movable walls offer flexibility in space utilization and serve as vital tools for noise control and creating environments conducive to better decision-making.
Why room acoustics matter in decision making
The ability to make efficient and responsible decisions as well as learn is essential in workplace environments, classrooms, and healthcare facilities. But unwanted noise, typically allowed and influenced by poor room acoustics will disrupt mental processes and deter proper attention to what is happening around the occupants. Excessive noise can reduce learning and performance by 10-15%. Unwanted noise affects cognitive functions such as attention, memory and problem solving and over time the negative effects will worsen and the ability to detect subtle errors or changes.
What is experienced-based decision making and the impact of noise?
Experienced-based decision making relies on “intuition” and “past experiences.” It involves recognizing patterns, experience, feedback, drawing on learned knowledge and making a judgement based on “gut” feelings. This method of “decision-making” is often faster and more efficient than analytical approaches. Most corporate decisions are based on previous experiences. But experience-based decisions require reflective thinking which is compromised by a noisy environment. Excessive noise will interfere with the ability to recall past experiences or lessons naturally, leading to poor decisions.
The impact/role of noise on decision making
Unwanted and unexpected noise that interferes with a needed confidential or learning environment will significantly disrupt the ability to absorb information. Noise is disruptive and will lead to reduced attention span, increased stress and impaired working memory, potential misunderstandings as to what is being said and what is desired, frustration and conflict, possible impulsive or poorly considered decisions, a reliance on emotional responses rather than reasoning and physical fatigue.
Disrupted Communications
Disrupted Communication. In team or learning sessions excessive noise can lead to misinterpretations of information and incorrect assumptions and decisions. Concentration and absorption are severely affected.
Desired dB Levels for Learning and Teaching Environments:
- Classrooms: The desired background noise level in a classroom should ideally be 30-35 dB(A). This will provide a quiet environment where speech intelligibility is maximized, and students can focus without distraction. The maximum noise level during active teaching or learning activities should not exceed 50-55 dB(A) as at these levels students will find it difficult to hear instructions and teachers will find it difficult to convey information.
- Offices and Meeting Rooms: For focused discussions and decision-making, the desired background noise level in an office meeting room is 35-40 dB(A). This range allows participants to clearly hear one another without unnecessary strain. The maximum noise level should not exceed 50-55 dB(A). At these levels effective communication, concentration and decision-making is affected.
The role of movable/operable walls in Noise control and decision making:
- Acoustic Control: Moveable walls are designed to provide high STC (Sound Transmission Class Rating) typically ranging from 45 to 55. The higher the STC number the better the ability of the movable wall to stop sound transference. As a rule, 1 STC number is equivalent to 1 dB. For example, if the dB level in an area is measured at 75 dB and a movable wall that has a tested STC of 55 is used for division purposes then 25 dB (75-50=25) will be transferred from one side of the wall to the another.
- Flexible Zoning: By dividing larger spaces into smaller acoustically isolated areas, moveable walls reduce the overall noise impact in shared environments.
- Noise Reduction in Open Spaces: Movable walls with sound absorbing surfaces or integrated Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) can reduce reverberation with a room minimizing internal noise levels.
Recommendations of ASTM E-557
ASTM E-557 titled “Standard Guide for the Installation of Operable Partitions provides guidelines for the proper installation and construction of movable wall systems to ensure their acoustic performance. Here is a summarized point by point summary of its recommendations and the primary areas of concern regarding sound transference.
- Top and Bottom perimeter acoustic seals: improper seals at the top and bottom of panels result in sound leaks. Regularly inspect and maintain seals for wear and gear. Ensure consistent pressure and alignment.
- Vertical Panel joints: Gaps between panels or misalignment allow sound to leak through. Check regularly to ensure panels are hanging plumb.
- Wall to Ceiling and Wall to Floor Connections: Gaps between the partition and the surrounding structure can become sound pathways. Ensure that these meeting points are flush and airtight to adjacent structural elements. Ensure that the acoustical gaskets are continuous and made from flexible sound blocking materials.
- Perimeter Conditions: Sound leakage can occur at the intersection of the movable walls and the building structure. Provide pressure acoustic seals that will seal positively and ensure that the building walls are also acoustically sound.
- Flanking Paths: Sound will bypass the movable wall and travel through alternate routes such as ceiling plenums, floors, carpeted surfaces, HVAC ductwork and adjacent openings. These flanking paths must be identified and sealed properly to eliminate flanking paths.
- Doorways and Pass-Throughs: Integrated pass doors in movable wall systems can be weak points for sound transmission. Use doors that have the identical STC rating as the wall in which it is installed.
- Floor Flatness and Deflection: Uneven floors can create gaps around the base of the partition allowing sound to leak though. Excessive floor deflection under load will also compromise the acoustic seals.
Conclusion
By addressing noise as a critical factor, institutions and organizations will unlock higher levels of focus, collaboration and productivity Movable walls provide a dynamic solution merging functionality with superior acoustic control to meet the demands of modern spaces.
