Haworth Orgatec - Acoustics

Bad Münder, October 2006

Although a great many studies have been conducted into the effects of acoustics on people working in office spaces, so far there has been no product that has been capable of effectively implementing the findings. However, at this year's Orgatec, Haworth will be launching its patented high performance sound absorbers. They are being presented in the context of sideboard furnishings, which serve to improve the acoustics in an enclosed room. A special room is to be created at the exhibition to allow visitors to test the effect for themselves.

The effectiveness of furnishings as absorbers of sound is largely underestimated. Furnishings and cupboards need to be closed in order for them to function effectively as sound absorbing surfaces. The new high performance absorption panels from Haworth can be attached to the sides and rear walls, and if mounted effectively, the use of ceiling absorbers is no longer necessary. Their effect is independent of their position in the room, but they work best when the furnishings are positioned against the wall. The furnishings can be ordered directly with absorbers mounted or they can be retrofitted. The furnishings retain their original aesthetics. The outer panelling, which is currently made of metal, can be ordered in a variety of colours.

The furnishings can be installed in any office environment where there is a high level of noise due to talking. They can even be useful in a two-person office, and are highly effective even when only one person is talking on the telephone.

When used properly, the furniture absorbers can have a positive effect on the surface requirements. If sound screen and stand panel absorbers are included, the planning requirements remain flexible in the event of any future changes and adjustments and the quality of the room's acoustics can be preserved. This represents a sustained increase to the property's value.

In an open environment, all auditive stimulation passes through the short-term memory where it is subjected to filtering. This process takes up a considerable proportion of a person's available intellectual processing capacity. The corresponding 'blind performance' is lost when full concentration is required. Noise in an office can lead to a reduction in working memory performance of up to 30 %.