Blocking
The introduction of vertical barriers between the noise source and listener will limit the distance sound energy travels. Blocking sound is the most visible method of acoustic management in the office and is achieved using products like partitions, screens and storage cabinets. The higher the barrier, the more effective, but these are often viewed as less attractive in the open plan office landscape.
The barrier material properties are a trade off between materials dense enough to stop sound travelling through the material, which results in a high reflective effect, and the open materials, which are poor at stopping sound from passing through but good at absorbing it. The most effective barrier products are those with a dense core and absorbent outer faces such as the Screen Solutions Acoustic Addition screen.
Understanding staff communication needs are the key to an effective balance of acoustic control and an acceptable landscape.
