Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics IBPAcoustic room design – ranging from hotel rooms to concert halls
Room acoustics surround and influence us whenever we are in buildings or rooms. Depending on the type and extent of use, different acoustic conditions are required in order to optimize the use of space. Room acoustics have a significant impact, for example, on our work or learning performance in open-plan offices or classrooms, on intelligibility in conference rooms or studios, and on our sense of well-being in hotel rooms or at home.
In concert halls and opera houses, excellent room acoustics are essential to the quality and reputation of the entire building. In the case of loud industrial workplaces, acoustic room design helps to meet legal requirements and improve working conditions. A room acoustics system that is both economical and use-oriented requires precise planning as well as the utilization of acoustically-effective materials and constructions.
For many of these room types, our experts develop concepts and components (sound absorbers) that ensure acoustic efficiency while also supporting architectural planning processes and contributing to other room functions. To achieve this, we implement the standards and guidelines applicable to room acoustics, such as DIN 18041, ISO 3382, VDI 2569, and others. Furthermore, we question and further develop these and are actively involved in shaping them. We use modern tools such as simulation and measurement technologies, as well as auralization for planning and developing sound absorbers. The acoustic quality of rooms and components is evaluated with a wide range of measuring methods applied on-site or in special measurement rooms.