Lighting_Acoustics_Acuity_1000
Lighting_Acoustics_Acuity_1000
Lighting_Acoustics_Acuity_1000
Lighting_Acoustics_Acuity_1000
Lighting_Acoustics_Acuity_1000

How Lighting Can Address Acoustic Control in the Modern Office Setting

Aug. 10, 2021

Unlike other office elements, lighting is generally out of the direct visual field in both offices and public spaces. At the same time, lighting is perfectly positioned to help control acoustics.

One of the downsides of contemporary office design has been the unforeseen effects of noise, poor acoustic control and lack of privacy that can affect productivity in the workplace.

Modern office environments can present acoustic challenges due to design choices about physical layout, elimination of sound-absorbing elements while, at the same time, emphasizing materials that exacerbate the situation. Some common architectural elements like unfinished ceilings and fewer closed offices can significantly reduce the number of acoustic-controlling elements in the environment.

Most office workers fluidly cycle between the need for collaborative interaction and concentrated solo work, and herein lies the problem. A typical open office will generate noise levels of 60-65dB while focused, concentrated work requires a level significantly lower at 40-55dB. Furthermore, typical office workforces are more-or-less split between individual workers and interactive workers who can spend over 60% of their time working collaboratively.

[Related: The Emerging Role of Luminaire Embedded Controls]

Current science tells us that we have a bandwidth capacity to process only 1.6 human voices at any given time, and anymore becomes added noise. Hypertension, impaired cognition, and general lack of concentration are all results of a poor acoustic environment. In addition, office and public spaces require a certain level of speech privacy for both productivity and legal reasons. 

How can the lighting help address acoustics issues?

Unlike other office elements, lighting is generally out of the direct visual field in both offices and public spaces. At the same time, lighting is perfectly positioned to help control acoustics. 

The most common measure used to rate the acoustical properties is NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient), which is often included in specifications of ceiling tiles, office dividers, wall panels, and now, lighting fixtures. And the best way to control acoustics is to avoid reflection of sound.

Since lighting installed in the ceiling space and on walls is out of the direct visual field, there is an opportunity to add back some sound-absorbing material, while improving the overall aesthetic. In fact, the proximity to walls and ceilings will help the sound-absorbing effect, since sound will have the tendency to get trapped between the sound-absorbing surfaces and the building structure.

There are many approaches and technical solutions to integrating sound-absorbing into lighting fixtures, but not all solutions make great lighting. In terms of materials that will absorb sound there are a wide range of felts, fabrics, foams, or pulps. The bigger challenge is structurally integrating these materials in a way that the luminaire design is effective, firstly as a lighting fixture and secondly, as a sound-absorbing device. 

New, Innovative Lighting with Acoustic Technology

Acuity Brands was recently granted a patent for the innovative design of its acoustic Absorb H family of luminaires from A-Light™, which combines high-performance lighting with acoustic technology. It is designed to reduce noise in open spaces and areas with high ceilings while providing functional illumination. Typical applications include schools, offices, reception areas, lobbies, conference rooms, auditoriums, and convention centers.

The unique double-wall hollow-core shape of the wings allows the Absorb H luminaire to efficiently absorb sound. The luminaire’s felt-like horizontal polyester panels are made from at least 40% post-consumer recycled PET bottles and are fully recyclable. With a large surface area, the acoustic panels limit reverberation time and have an inherent sound absorption rating of 0.75 NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient). Luminaires are available in 30 varied colors of acoustic material. 

For more information, visit alights.com.

This article was written and provided by Dirk Zylstra, VP Design & Development, Acuity Brands Lighting

More from Acuity Brands:

About the Author

Partner Content

Partner Content is submitted by our advertisers and does not represent the views of BUILDINGS or its publisher, Endeavor Business Media. Content may be edited for clarity and style.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

INFOGRAPHIC: Unlocking the Value of a Smart Building

How do you make a smart building even smarter? Download the Infographic below to discover what happened when one customer used AI-enabled building technology to achieve their ...

Streamline & Enhance Inspection Process in Order to Save Money & Expedite Repairs

Download the case study to learn how to streamline inspections, save money, and expedite repairs.

Building Security & Technology Month

This special collaborative series will consist of the four one-hour events below, as well as an Executive Summary Digital eBook distributed to all readers that will be available...

Elevator Emergency Communication Code Compliance: Must-Knows

You probably know that elevator code is anything but straightforward, which isn't ideal when noncompliance can result in massive liabilities. What's more? Recent code updates ...