Acoustics considerations are vitally important, particularly in open workspaces, according to an article from Building Operating Management on the FacilitiesNet website.

An overheard conversation may be a minor annoyance, but it can reduce productivity. And if a confidential conversation is overheard in adjacent space, the ramifications can be far-reaching.

For facility managers, an important step in planning for good acoustics is understanding the underlying anatomy of acoustics, the way that the physical elements of a space affect the transmission of sound.

The ceiling, the walls, the floor, and the soundmasking system all play a role in determining the acoustical quality of a space. Most experts and analysts say that the ceiling, as the largest unbroken plane in most office environments, should be a top priority when achieving optimum acoustic performance. 

Read the article.