What is (room)acoustic?
According to the Dutch dictionary “Dikke van Dale”, the word acoustics has 2 meanings:
- The teaching of sound
- The properties of a room regarding the reverberation of sounds (room acoustics)
In other words, acoustics is the way sound behaves in a certain space. This is determined by the degree of sound absorption in relation to sound reflection.
Would you like to know how you can improve the acoustics in your room(s)? Then make an appointment for an acoustic measurement.
What is sound?
Sound is the vibration of air. Sound travels in waves. These waves bounce off hard surfaces and are picked up by the auricle and are then conducted to the ear inside the head.
What is sound reflection?
Sound reflection occurs when sound bounces off hard surfaces such as floors, walls, ceilings, and glass. This creates an echo or reverberation. Sound is perceived as annoying and unpleasant.
What is sound absorption?
Sound absorption is the ability of a material to absorb sound waves and convert them into another form of energy, such as heat. Materials that can absorb sound help to reduce the reverberation of sound waves, reducing noise pollution in a room. This is especially important in areas where many people gather, such as meeting rooms, theatres, concert halls and offices.
Sound absorption is expressed as a number between 0 and 1, where a material with an absorption value of 0 absorbs no sound and a material with an absorption value of 1 absorbs all sound that falls on it. Sound absorption can be improved by using special materials, such as acoustic panels, baffles and ceiling tiles, which are specially designed to absorb and reduce sound.
What is good or pleasant acoustics?
Good acoustics are therefore determined by the relationship between sound absorption and sound reflection. We speak of pleasant acoustics if the sound in the room does not interfere with its function. So, if the sound fits the function of the space and the people in it.
What is poor acoustics?
Poor acoustics mean that the sound quality in a room is not optimal and that sound waves are not managed effectively. This can lead to problems such as reverberation, echoes, poor speech intelligibility, sound that is too loud or too quiet, and fatigue.
Poor acoustics can occur in all kinds of spaces, such as offices, meeting rooms, theaters, concert halls, classrooms, churches, restaurants, and homes. It can be caused by several factors, such as too many hard surfaces, insufficient absorption, poor speaker placement, improper insulation, or inappropriate room dimensions.
To improve the acoustics, various acoustic treatments can be used, such as placing absorbing panels, diffusers, bass traps, or applying insulation material. Good acoustics are important to create a pleasant and functional space in which people can communicate and work well.
Experience the difference
To properly experience the differences in 'room acoustics', we have made 2 (optically) identical cabins for the Orgatec trade fair.
One of hard materials, covered with print and the other completely equipped with our acoustic wall covering (ARTwall).
Watch the video and see it for yourself!
Would you rather discuss your options together? Please call one of our experts on +31 85 48 63 380 or request a quote.