PUBLIC SPACES
Designing inclusive environments for learning and interaction
CASE STUDY
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CASE STUDY
Public Spaces
Spaces where we learn and meet
CHALLENGE
What is the key challenge in public spaces?
Since 2016, German building standards require public buildings to be planned with inclusive acoustics (DIN 18041). Everyone – regardless of language, hearing ability, or neurological condition – has the right to equal access to spaces for education, culture, and social interaction.
This doesn’t just apply to the approx. 20% of people in Europe with hearing impairments, but also to:
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15–20% of neurodivergent individuals
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Over 18% of Germany’s population who do not speak German exclusively
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And all who quickly reach their limits in complex acoustic environments
The reality reveals a need for action:
Current studies show that many classrooms in Germany fail to meet the recommended reverberation times set by DIN 18041 – with far-reaching consequences for learning atmosphere, concentration, and student inclusion.
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Normenausschuss Akustik, Lärmminderung und Schwingungstechnik (NALS) im DIN und VDI DIN-Normenausschuss Bauwesen (NABau). DIN 18041. Hörsamkeit in Räumen – Anforderungen, Empfehlungen und Hinweise für die Planung. s.l.: Beuth, 2016.
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Meier, Dipl.-Ing. Sigrid. Hören ohne Barriere - HoB e.V. Wir bauen Barrieren ab. [Online] 2017. [Zitat vom: 18. September 2023.] http://hob-ev.de/broschuere/mobile/index.html#p=8.
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Klein, Dr. Achim. Sechs gestalterische Überlegungen zur Berücksichtigung der Neurodiversität - und vieles mehr! [Online] [Zitat vom: 18. September 2023.] https://www.ecophon.com/de/articles/knowledge/six-design-considerations-for-including- neurodiversity--and-much-more/.
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Statistisches Bundesamt. 80 % der Bevölkerung sprechen zu Hause ausschließlich Deutsch. [Online] 21. Februar 2023. [Zitat vom: 18. September 2023.] https://www.destatis.de/DE/Presse/Pressemitteilungen/Zahl-der- Woche/2023/PD23_08_p002.html.
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Ruhe, Carsten. Nachhallzeiten in Klassenräumen, eine bundesweite Erhebung. Prisdorf: hörgerecht planen und bauen, 2023.
SOLUTION
How does audics address these challenges?
Instead of relying on purely statistical methods or simplified ray tracing models, we use wave-based simulations – significantly faster and physically more accurate.
This enables reliable acoustic evaluation already in early planning phases – even for straightforward room types such as classrooms or multipurpose spaces.
The result: audible planning reliability.
With our auralisations, you don’t just calculate the acoustic performance of your design –
you experience it intuitively and communicate it effectively to all stakeholders, funding bodies, or school authorities.
Example scenarios in comparison:
VARIANT A
Acoustically untreated
Fully absorptive ceiling – not DIN-compliant
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Reverberation time (Sabine method): 0.40 s
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Measured reverberation time in digital twin: 0.77 s
Not inclusive according to DIN 18041 (target: 0.49 s)
→ Leads to costly retrofitting.
VARIANT B
High-absorption ceiling
Acoustically effective surfaces strategically positioned – inclusive by design
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Reverberation time (Sabine method): 0.45 s
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Measured reverberation time in digital twin: 0.41 s
Inclusive according to DIN 18041
→ Optimal learning conditions with reduced material use and integrated design.
VALUE
What do you gain by working with audics?
With audics, you plan for acoustic inclusion from the very beginning – reliably, transparently, and fully integrated into your design. You understand early on how design decisions impact the quality of use – and communicate them confidently within your team.
Your key benefits at a glance:
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You visualise and hear how your space will sound – before construction
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You intuitively understand the acoustic impact of your design
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You provide clarity for decision-makers and funding authorities
This is how we create environments where learning, participation, and interaction become possible for everyone – functional, human-centered, and thoughtfully designed.
SOCIAL