Open-plan offices are a modern trend that seeks to unite the need to minimize office space for rent reasons with the appeal of creating a close-knit team that thrives on collaboration. However, one of the biggest problems with these spaces is that they do not contain the usual walls, nooks, and other features that more typical office layouts do. As a result, open-plan offices can be noisy. Acoustic wall art is one of the best ways to solve this problem!
If your business has been struggling with a loud office environment, there is no need to rent a different space. Understanding how sound waves move around your open office environment allows you to install acoustic wall art in strategic locations to stop sound waves from reverberating back into the room.
Here’s how you can leverage acoustic wall art to upgrade your space — in more ways than one.
Understanding Acoustic Wall Art
Acoustic wall art encompasses a range of installations. Most commonly, it looks like typical canvas art, but it is made of sound-absorbent materials that stop sound waves from bouncing off the walls and back into the room.
However, acoustic wall art can come in other forms, such as textured wood paneling, hanging drapery, and more.
The right acoustic art for your space will depend on the floor plan, the areas causing the most noise reflection, and your aesthetic goals. Acoustic art is customizable, so the only limit is your imagination!
The Impact of Noise in Open Plan Offices
If your office space is noisy, you probably understand why working in such an environment is cumbersome — it is easy to be distracted, and if your business works with sensitive material, client privacy could be a concern. However, there are more reasons than just these to reduce the noise level in your office.
When a space is noisy, people tend to become fatigued. As a result, they complete tasks less efficiently and at a lower standard than they do when rested and in a quiet location.
Studies show that noisy environments negatively impact short-term memory and cause people to become more stressed and less comfortable.
This dynamic can lead to low morale and a lower overall quality of work, decreasing your business output. Reducing noise is therefore an investment in both your workforce’s happiness and your bottom line.
How Acoustic Wall Art Helps
Acoustic wall art is one of the most effective methods to decrease noise in open-plan offices. These spaces are not conducive to installing full-size walls or dividers. Instead, acoustic wall art on the walls and even on the ceiling has the following benefits:
Reduces Unwanted Noise
Acoustic wall art is best placed opposite the source of problematic sounds. This means that if everyone in an office is facing one direction, the panels should be placed on the side of the room facing them.
The acoustic art will stop sound waves from bouncing off the smooth surface of the wall, reducing the number of reflections back into the room. As a result, the office can enjoy a lower baseline noise level and also cut down on problematic echoes.
Acoustic art can even be installed on the ceiling, which is especially useful for open-plan offices because the ceiling tends to be a particularly blank and open space that maximizes chaotic sound reflection.
Reimagines the Décor
One of the biggest advantages of acoustic wall art is that it is more than just a functional installation. It can also completely change the aesthetic of a space.
Whether your business wants to pursue a classic look with replicas of famous paintings or show off photographs of your c-suite members, acoustic art can be customized for your goals.
As you decide what to display, remember the effects of color psychology. Choose colors that will contribute to the moods you desire, or consider incorporating your brand colors.
Offers an Affordable Alternative
When a space needs sound adjustments, some offices choose to completely tear down the walls and replace them with more sound-absorbent options, such as textured brick.
This is a costly process, both in terms of upfront expense and also office downtime. Acoustic art panels are a much more affordable option, and you can purchase them in waves rather than committing to a full installation right away.
Try Acoustic Wall Art in Your Office
If your open-plan office is struggling with noise levels, acoustic wall art can be a simple and visually appealing solution.
The experts at Tree Towns can help you understand what options will suit your office, where to place them, and how large, thick, and close together they should be for the greatest effect. Contact Tree Towns to share your vision and get started on an order.