At Forum Acusticum / Euronoise 2025 in Málaga, Rainer Machner presented a study that blends technical rigour with practical application. Together with Holger Brokmann and Dr. Achim Klein from Saint-Gobain Ecophon, he explored how the simplified ISO 3382-3 prediction model can support faster and more user-focused acoustic design in open-plan offices. Traditionally, ISO 3382-3 is […]
Offices
A New Way to Predict Office Noise Annoyance
Open-plan offices are often criticized for being noisy and distracting. Coworkers’ conversations in particular can make it difficult to focus. Until now, most assessments of office noise have relied mainly on sound pressure level (LAeq). But sound level alone doesn’t tell the whole story. At Forum Acusticum/ Euronoise in Málaga, Valtteri Hongisto, from Turku University […]
The influence of indoor temperature and noise on autistic individuals
Study overview This study explores how indoor temperature and noise affect people with autism, aiming to create more inclusive and comfortable environments. While most indoor comfort research focuses on the general population, this study highlights that autistic individuals often experience their surroundings differently due to sensory sensitivities. These differences can make standard comfort assessments, like […]
Predicting the distraction due to speech and babble
Task-irrelevant speech is among the most common and disruptive sources of noise in modern office environments. For acousticians, the challenge has long been: how do we objectively assess the distraction caused by such fluctuating, speech-dominated environments using tools readily available in the field? A new study by Hongisto et al. (2025) offers a solution. It […]
Forum Acousticum/Euronoise 2025: Let’s talk acoustics, research & real-world impact
From 23–26 June 2025, the acoustics world will gather under the Andalusian sun for Forum Acousticum / Euronoise 2025, hosted in the vibrant coastal city of Málaga, Spain. This joint congress is one of the year’s most significant events for anyone passionate about sound—its science, its design, and its profound impact on people.We’re thrilled to […]
How noise affects decision-making
Noise has always been seen as a challenge in workplaces, but its impact on decision-making—especially in experience-based judgments—is not yet fully understood. This article looks at two research studies that explore how noise affects decision-making and the practical implications of their findings. Why room acoustics matter in decision making Efficient decision-making is essential in workplace […]
Acoustics, Music and Architecture podcast
How sound and buildings interact! A new BBC Sounds “Start the Week” podcast with sound guru Prof. Trevor Cox, Fiona Smyth author and musician Jess Gillam combine to give a great overview of the history and development of architectural acoustics… Some fascinating acoustic discussions and insights: Echo vs reverberation, distinct echo vs reverberant bloom… Listen […]
New Aural Diversity toolkit helping designers create more inclusive spaces
Aural Diversity Toolkit Arup and the Aural Diversity Network have developed a toolkit to help designers create spaces and environments that meet the needs of everyone. This toolkit addresses the broader needs of those with aural sensitivities and provides a comprehensive set of recommendations, further research and other relevant aspects to consider to better inform […]
Active noise-cancelling headphones do not improve cognitive performance in office noise environment
In modern open-plan offices, noise from conversations and background activities can significantly impact employees’ productivity and well-being. Active noise-cancelling (ANC) headphones are often employed as a personal solution to reduce distractions and control the acoustic environment. But how effective are these devices in enhancing performance, reducing stress, or improving the overall work experience? This article […]
Empirical Method for Predicting Speech Sound Propagation in Offices
ISO 3382-3 describes how to assess sound propagation and speech intelligibility in open-plan offices. At the recent Inter-Noise conference in Nantes, Rainer Machner presented Hongisto and Keränen’s (2013) regression-based model for predicting ISO 3382-3 parameters. By analyzing data from 10 office spaces, he evaluated the model’s performance and gave practical recommendations for its use in […]
