Despite the growing work-from-anywhere movement, physical offices remain places where private conversations take place – both face-to-face and online. Sound can leak into spaces it’s not intended to. No surprise then that protecting sensitive or confidential utterances is especially important in corporate meeting spaces.
Spaces like these that have been acoustically engineered not only protect the occupants from unwanted intrusive noise. They also enhance ‘speech privacy’ and the inability of an unintentional listener to understand the private conversation that is taking place.
In recent times, our acoustic engineers have been busy assessing the acoustic privacy and security of meeting spaces for clients across Aotearoa’s public and private sectors. One thing is clear – organisations are more aware than ever of their responsibilities in keeping information safe and secure. And many are increasingly becoming conscious of information transmitted via the spoken word.
Four walls don’t automatically mean privacy. Depending on intricacies of the acoustic design to make sure that sound is contained, an ‘enclosed’ meeting room could leak like a sieve.
Successful acoustic strategy relies on several important techniques – including absorbing sound with acoustic panels and blocking sound transmission from one space to another. Sound systems are also sometimes used to inject sound - where ambient noise is introduced to mask other sources of noise.
In rooms where acoustic privacy is less than ideal, remedial measures are usually called for. Ceiling cavities and room frontages are typical elements for sound leakage and may need improving. Full height acoustically rated wall partitions and acoustic doors or sound lobbies are a great way to contain sound.
Using acoustic techniques to keep meeting room conversations where they belong is a win-win. It results in less distractions, greater comfort and office productivity for those outside the room. For those inside the room, it enhances privacy and preservation of confidentiality.
