Open Work Spaces
Designing workspaces for focus, connection, and adaptability
CASE STUDY
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Open Work Spaces
Designing workspaces for focus, connection, and adaptability
CASE STUDY
CHALLENGE
What really matters in open-plan offices?
Modern work environments place high demands on design. They need to be functional and flexible while also supporting well-being – which in turn boosts employee performance and satisfaction. New Work puts people at the center – in hybrid, inclusive spaces that inspire and promote health.
Acoustics is the key to the right working atmosphere.
In open office landscapes, the sound environment directly affects stress levels, concentration, and team dynamics. Studies show: Poor acoustic conditions not only cause frustration, but also lead to significant financial losses. The monetisation calculator from the Fraunhofer Office Initiative reveals the savings potential of better acoustic design.
Since 2018, the German ASR A3.7 regulation has defined binding requirements for noise control in the workplace. ISO 22955 (introduced in 2021) adds specific guidelines for open offices – a clear sign that action is needed.
Acoustic quality determines the success of office spaces.
In open spaces with diverse teams, activities, and adjacent social zones, the challenge is particularly complex: to reduce reverberation time without compromising the character of the space. The goal is not only to improve speech intelligibility – but to deliberately reduce it across distances, making distracting conversations unintelligible. This is exactly where it’s decided whether your space can be used productively – or not.
SOLUTION
How do we address these challenges at audics?
We develop forward-thinking acoustic concepts that seamlessly integrate into modern work environments – both functionally and aesthetically. By using acoustic partitions, zoning elements, and absorptive materials, we create areas for retreat and support focused work – even in open structures.
Privacy instead of constant noise.
Our solutions effectively reduce sound propagation and help keep conversations where they belong. At the same time, we support architectural freedom – because every acoustic element must also meet design standards. That’s why we accompany your planning process from the very beginning.
VALUE
What do you gain by working with audics?
With audics, acoustics isn’t added “on top” – it’s integrated into your design from the very beginning. Already in the concept phase, we acoustically analyse your layouts and identify optimisation potential – functional, aesthetic, and economic.
Scientifically grounded. Precisely simulated. Made audible.
Wave-based acoustic simulations also take into account the effects of furniture, zoning, and materials. This allows us to accurately determine acoustic requirements and plan reliably from the design stage. Immersive auralisations complement the process by making complex acoustic scenarios perceptible – as a solid decision-making basis for you, your planning team, and your clients.
SOCIAL
Example scenarios in comparison:
VARIANT A
No acoustic treatment
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High disturbance potential due to high noise levels
VARIANT B
Highly absorbing ceiling
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High disturbance potential due to high speech intelligibility
VARIANT C
Acoustic partitions and dividers
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Controlled acoustic environment