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FEATURE
| acoustics
example of where positive auditory distractions are often
an overall, effective solution, the easiest way to add sound
tic-panel ceiling with an NRC rating of 0.90, combined
necessary. An audio system and associated infrastructure
absorption is by using an acoustic ceiling with a high
with designed background sounds to provide masking.
for music players, in addition to internet access may be
NRC rating of 0.90 or more. It absorbs troublesome
required. Smart terminals, wireless headsets, and remote
sound reflections and reverberation, making it much eas-
• Create acoustic zones. Keep noisy functions remote
controls should be provided to patients during painful
ier to communicate. The same high-performing acoustic
from quiet functions. Use “buffer zones” such as stair-
procedures to drown out unpleasant sounds and distract
ceiling provides noise control as sound waves travel down
ways and storage rooms between noisy and quiet zones.
them from the discomfort and length of the procedure.
the corridors toward patient rooms. Fewer patients are
• Provide sound-rated partitions and doors between
Noise control:
disturbed. When those waves are speech or other sounds
noisy functions and quiet functions.
• Patient experience will be painful or uncomfortable; fear, worry, or boredom is likely.
that are meant to be kept private, the ceiling attenuates
• Use sound-absorbing surfaces such as an acous-
them so fewer people hear them.
tic-panel ceiling with a high NRC rating of 0.90 or high-
• Procedure or activity will last multiple hours. • Conditions permit user control of content and volume.
Using electronic sound masking as designed background sound inside procedure and exam rooms to mask
It is unlikely that anyone else will feel forced to listen.
any noise not absorbed by the acoustic ceiling is the next
Key conditions that could increase the score:
er to limit the amount of noise that transmits between acoustic zones. Designed background sounds:
COLLECTIVE GOAL CONSIDERATION
panels, carpet tiles, and sound masking, especially in a
After scoring a room or space on the six main acoustic
low-acuity orthopedic surgical center where it is more
goals, review the results collectively as the layout, size,
likely that the patient room doors can be closed at night,
• • • •
shape, and appearance of the room begin to take form.
is an effective design strategy that considers all of the
ation and stress relief.
Consider, as an example, a nurse station and connecting
prioritized acoustic goals.
most important design strategy. Using high-NRC ceiling
Consider the purpose of the background sounds. Electronic sound masking provides speech privacy. Music is uplifting and energizes. Nature sounds are comforting and soothing for relaxPositive auditory distractions:
• Consider whether they should be more communal or
corridors in a specialty-orthopedic surgery center. Nurse stations are active places that can get quite noisy. A lot of
DESIGN STRATEGIES
individual.
private information is exchanged between patients, fami-
As one progresses through the design of various room
ly members, nonclinical caregivers, and nurses.
types in a healthcare facility, the following design rec-
The high-priority acoustic goals are noise control,
ommendations should be given priority consideration.
• Consider whether they are physical or electronic. • Provide user control whenever possible. • Provide infrastructure such as a stage platform and
accurate communication, and auditory privacy. Designed
Note that some recommendations prove effective for
nearby changing/storage rooms or, if electronic, appro-
background sounds are important in relation to achiev-
achieving multiple acoustic goals.
priate playback or broadcast devices, internet access,
ing auditory privacy. It is the wrong place for positive
Accurate communication:
wireless devices, and secure storage and charging loca-
auditory distractions since nurses need to focus on their
• Use sound-absorbing surfaces such as an acous-
duties.
tic-panel ceiling with the optimal NRC rating (0.70
The ways and locations in which healthcare is being
Nurses Station and Corridors
good, 0.80 better, 0.90 best) and carpet tiles to decrease
provided are changing rapidly. Healthcare is moving
reverberation. Under the most critical conditions, wall
away from acute-care hospitals and toward more local
absorption may also be required.
and convenient ambulatory services. To bridge the gap,
• Lower the ceiling to decrease the room volume and reverberation. This also typically moves the sound
first understand what the patient and caregiver will ex-
absorption closer to sources of interfering noise.
six core acoustic goals. Then select the design strategies
• Use an audio system to amplify speech (limited appli-
that work well for the project, based on the prioritized
cation in healthcare settings).
acoustic goals. Using this design approach will lead to
• Ensure that noise from equipment is attenuated ade-
optimal acoustic conditions in future, high-performing
quately by locating it remotely or enclosing it in sound-
healthcare facilities. CA
Accurate communication Low
Moderate
1
2
3
High
4
5
Auditory privacy Low
Moderate
1
2
3
High
4
5
Noise control Moderate
2
3
High
4
5
Designed background sounds Low
1
Moderate
2
3
High
4
5
Positive auditory distractions Low
1
Moderate
2
3
4
Gary Madaras, PhD, Assoc. AIA, is an acoustics special-
• Provide private enclosed rooms with full-height walls
ist at Rockfon, Chicago, where he helps designers and
that extend from floor slab to floor slab. Use partition
specifiers learn the Optimized Acoustics design
constructions with optimal STC ratings.
approach. Madaras is a member of the Acoustical Soci-
• Use swinging doors that are solid-core wood or insulated metal and acoustic seals around the perimeters.
ety of America (ASA), the Canadian Acoustical Associ-
• When enclosed rooms are not possible and privacy is needed, use sound-absorbing surfaces such as an acous-
neering (INCE). He can be reached at gary.madaras@
ation (CAA), and the Institute of Noise Control Engirockfon.com.
5
cation, noise control, and auditory privacy are all needed in open or semi-open spaces, such as a nurse station, is to implement high-performing, sound-absorbing finishes. While carpet tiles on the floors have proven to be part of JAN/FEB 2019
Auditory privacy:
High
The primary design strategy when accurate communi-
24
perience inside the space. Then assess and prioritize the
isolating construction.
Low
1
tions.
COMMERCI A L A RCHI T EC T UREM AG A ZINE.COM
PODCAST: ACOUSTICS, HEARING LOSS, AND ESL Two other factors that are affected by acoustics are hearing loss and individuals who use English as a second language. The role these two factors play are the subject of a podcast editorial director Gary L. Parr recorded with Gary Madaras, author of this article and acoustics specialist at Rockfon, Chicago. Listen to the podcast at commercialarchitecturamagazine.com/1901facousticpod.
