Designing for the Sound Environment: A Practical Guide for Architects and Interior Designers

Close your eyes for a moment and listen to the space around you. What do you hear? Maybe it's the soft hum of ventilation, distant voices echoing through the corridors, the rhythmic ticking of keyboards, or the soothing murmur of water from a nearby source. These sounds, whether intentional or accidental, largely determine how you experience that environment.

As an architect and interior designer, you master the art of designing light, form and material. However, sound (perhaps one of the most powerful dimensions of the spatial experience) often only gets attention when it becomes problematic. The challenge for contemporary design isn't just muting the sound. It's also creating conscious acoustic environments that improve the way people feel, work, and interact with each other.

Soundscape design represents a paradigm shift from reactive noise control to proactive sound curation. Rather than treating all noise as an enemy to be eliminated, this approach recognizes that sound can be a valuable resource; one that, when carefully designed, can increase comfort, support functionality, and even become a distinguishing feature of a place.

This article provides practical strategies for designing soundscapes that work. Discover how you can actively shape the acoustic identity of your projects through strategic planning, material selection, spatial intervention and sensory integration.

The acoustic palette: your strategic framework

Before we delve into specific techniques, it is useful to establish a clear conceptual framework for soundscape interventions. Think of it as your acoustic palette, a three-part strategy that guides every decision:

1. Reduce, buffer, or mute unwanted sounds

Not all sounds belong in every room. The first layer of sound environment design consists of identifying and controlling sounds that detract from the intended experience. This may include:

• Mechanical noise of HVAC systems, elevators, or equipment.
• External disturbances such as traffic, construction work or activities in the area.
• Internal disruptions such as footsteps, echoing voices, or reverberating noises.

The goal here isn't complete silence (which can feel sterile and unsettling), but rather the thoughtful reduction of noises that cause distraction, stress, or discomfort. Strategies include acoustic absorption, noise isolation barriers, spatial buffering, and carefully placing noisy equipment away from sensitive areas.

Consider high-quality acoustic wall panels such as ARCHISONIC® of Impact Acoustic, which combine exceptional sound absorption with architectural beauty. Available in felt, cotton and textile, these panels can significantly reduce reverberation time while contributing to the visual character of the space. In open offices or hallways where echo is a problem, these solutions offer both functional and aesthetic value.

2. Save and amplify desired sounds

Equally important is identifying and amplifying sounds that enrich the spatial experience. For example, these could be:

• Human Voices in social or collaborative environments where conversations need to be natural and effortless.
• Natural sounds such as birdsong, rustling leaves or running water.
• Cultural or functional signals such as chiming, background music or notification tones that provide information and rhythm to daily activities.

Instead of absorbing these sounds indiscriminately, a thoughtful design maintains and even amplifies them. In a lecture hall or conference room, for example, the strategic use of reflective surfaces ensures speech clarity and intelligibility. In restaurants or cafes, far from being a problem, a lively acoustic atmosphere can actually be a sign of vibrancy and social energy.

3. Add new acoustic elements

Sometimes, the most effective strategy for soundscapes is to introduce entirely new sound elements that weren't originally present. These additions can mask unwanted noise, create the desired atmosphere, or establish an acoustic identity. Examples include:

• Water features such as fountains, waterfalls or gently flowing streams that provide natural masking sound.
• Ambient sounds that are reproduced via discrete speaker systems.
• Interactive sound installations that respond to user movements or touches.
• Biophilic elements such as wind chimes, rustling grass, or trees that catch the wind.

These interventions not only cover up problems, they also actively shape the character and experience of a space, making acoustics an expressive design element.

‍

‍

Strategic planning: zoning and spatial configuration

The basis of effective sound design lies in how you organize the space from the start. In acoustic zoning, activities and program elements are deliberately classified according to their acoustic compatibility.

Activity-based zoning

Think about the acoustic needs of different activities and separate activities that conflict. For example:

• Locality quiet zones (meditation rooms, libraries, private offices) away from collaborative spaces (meeting rooms, break rooms, open work spaces).
• Locality noisy equipment (printers, technical rooms, kitchens) in buffer zones instead of next to areas where a lot of concentration is required.
• Locality acoustically sensitive spaces (recording studios, meeting rooms) away from external noise sources such as motorways or loading docks.

When designing workplaces, advanced audio technology now makes it possible to personalized sound zones to be created within larger open spaces. As a result, quiet concentration spaces can coexist with collaborative spaces without physical barriers that interfere with vision or spatial flow.

For open offices that require flexible zoning, consider solutions such as Akuarts In Your Room: a modular acoustic system that creates ideal workplaces within larger spaces. This room-in-room solution provides acoustic closure while maintaining design flexibility, allowing you to create zones for concentration or privacy without permanent structures.

Buffering and separation strategies

When incompatible activities have to co-exist, thoughtful buffering is essential. Effective strategies include:

Distance: By simply increasing the physical distance between noise sources and sensitive activities, the impact can be drastically reduced.

Vertical shifts: use topography or changes in floor level to create acoustic separation, which is particularly effective in urban or landscape design.

Established buffers: dense plants, earthen walls or constructed elements such as screens and planters that absorb and divert sound.

Strategic building mass: place walls, buildings and structural elements in such a way that assembly areas and parks are protected from primary noise sources such as transport corridors.

Partitions and screens: In interior spaces, acoustic partitions and desk dividers create relatively quiet zones without completely closing off the space. Products such as Akoesta® 62 panel systems whether ARCHISONIC® partitions offer flexibility while ensuring voice privacy and fewer distractions.

Sound transmission control

The placement of doors, windows and other openings has a major influence on how sound spreads through a building. Consider the following:

• Install doors staggered in corridors to prevent direct sound transmission.
• Use acoustic vestibules or double doors to attenuate noisy outdoor environments.
• Install windows so that they minimize exposure to traffic noise or other external noise while letting in as much daylight as possible.
• Use acoustic seals and gaskets on doors and movable partitions.

‍

Material selection: absorption, reflection and diffusion

Materials are your most important tool for determining how sound behaves in a room. Insight into when to sound absorbed, reflected or diffused, is fundamental to the effective design of the sound environment.

Sound absorbing materials

Absorption is critical in spaces where reverb, echo and ambient noise need to be reduced. Porous and fibrous materials capture sound energy and convert it into tiny heat through micro-movements within the material structure.

Main uses:

• Open offices where speech privacy and concentration take priority.
• Restaurants and cafes where audible conversations should be possible.
• Schools and classrooms to reduce background noise and support learning.
• Healthcare institutions where rest is conducive to healing and relaxation.

Modern acoustic materials offer much more than the utilitarian acoustic tiles of the past. Today's solutions combine high performance with sophisticated design:

• PET felt panels as ARCHISONIC® Felt offers excellent absorption and has a soft, tactile quality and a carefully selected palette of 36 colors in eight color families.
• Rockwool panels offer robust acoustic performance and fire resistance, ideal for commercial and institutional projects.
• Wood wool panels in addition to acoustic functionality, they also offer a natural aesthetic, perfect for biophilic design approaches.
• Materials based on mycelium from partners such as Mogu represent breakthrough sustainability, where acoustic panels are grown from mushroom roots.

Sound-reflecting materials

In certain contexts, reflection is exactly what you want. Hard, dense materials such as concrete, glass, marble, and solid wood reflect sound waves instead of absorbing them.

When to use reflective surfaces:

• Concert halls and venues where sound energy must reach the audience clearly and powerfully.
• Lecture halls and meeting rooms where speech intelligibility depends on strategic reflections that enhance the speaker's voice.
• Recording studios where controlled reflections determine the tonal nature of recordings.

The key is finding the right balance. Too much reflection creates harsh, reverberating spaces that feel uncomfortable and make conversations difficult. Too much absorption can make spaces feel dead and lifeless. The trick lies in aligning the relationship with the intended function.

Sound Dissemination

Diffusing materials distribute sound energy evenly across a space instead of creating reflective reflections (like a mirror reflects light). This prevents acoustic 'hotspots' and 'dead zones', creating a more uniform acoustic experience.

Dissemination techniques:

• Geometric surface treatments with varying depths and angles.
• Curved or faceted walls and ceilings.
• Scattered acoustic panels at various depths.
• Decorative relief patterns integrated into wall systems.

‍

Geometry, shape and architectural character

The physical shape of a space largely determines how sound behaves in it. This makes architectural geometry one of your most powerful (and often underused) tools for designing soundscapes.

Ceiling height and volume

High ceilings and large volumes generally increase the reverberation time, because sound has to travel a longer distance and has more surfaces to bounce off before it dies away. This can be great in spaces that are meant to feel grand and awe-inspiring (think cathedrals or museums), but problematic in spaces where clear communication is required.

Design considerations:

• Use in areas with high ceilings suspended acoustic elements (baffles, clouds, sculptural installations) to reduce effective volume.
• Care in areas with low ceilings for a careful balance between absorption and reflection to prevent acoustics that are too dull.
• Strategically vary ceiling height within a single space to create acoustic zones without physical barriers.

Ceiling solutions are particularly effective in rooms with a considerable height or hard floor materials. Acoustic ceiling panels, baffles and clouds reduce reverberation from above, where sound energy naturally accumulates. Products such as the hanging absorbent panels from Baux or the ceiling systems of Impact Acoustic can be adjusted in shape, color and configuration so that they become more sculptural design elements than purely functional additions.

Non-orthogonal design

Cause parallel walls in rectangular spaces flutter echoes: rapid repetitions of sound that cloud clarity. Non-orthogonal (non-rectangular) spaces with curves, angles, or controlled surfaces (such as hyperbolic paraboloids) naturally prevent these problems.

Strategies:

• Use sloped walls or flared surfaces.
• Use curved elements to disperse sound instead of concentrating it.
• Break large parallel surfaces by using acoustic treatments or relief.

It Philips Pavilion (1958) famously used hyperbolic paraboloid surfaces, specifically for their acoustic qualities, avoiding the multiple reverb that often occurs in orthogonal spaces. Although few projects require such radical geometry, the principle remains relevant: a thoughtful form can elegantly solve acoustic problems.

Echo chambers and reverberating spaces

In some contexts, a long reverb is exactly what you want. The Whispering Gallery in St. Paul's Cathedral in London shows how a circular dome can carry even the softest whispers over long distances, creating an acoustic phenomenon that has fascinated visitors for centuries. In the same way, the Sydney Opera House concert hall use carefully designed reflective surfaces and volumetric proportions to create optimal reverb for orchestral performances, transforming architectural geometry into acoustic art.

In contemporary design, you can apply similar principles in:

• Museum galleries where a sense of grandeur enhances the experience.
• Stages where reverb enriches the musical experience.
• Reception halls where acoustic presence signals importance and welcome.

‍

Adding sound to the environment: biophilic and technological integration

In addition to controlling existing sound, you can actively introduce new acoustic elements that enrich the soundscape and support your design intent.

Water features as acoustic elements

Water is one of the most effective and widely appreciated sources of noise in design. The sound of running water:

• Naturally and pleasantly masks unwanted noise, particularly effective against traffic or mechanical noises.
• Creates a calming, serene atmosphere that reduces stress and promotes relaxation.
• Adds acoustic variation admittedly without being intrusive or attracting attention.
• Connects indoor spaces with nature and supports biophilic design strategies.

From table models to courtyard waterfalls to flowing channels integrated into the floor design, water can be used at any scale. The key is controlling the acoustic character (gently rippling for quiet spaces, flowing more vigorously for more vibrant environments).

Natural sound elements

In addition to water, you can also think of:

• Trees and vegetation that are strategically placed to catch the wind to create a soft rustling sound.
• Wind chimes or kinetic sculptures that respond to air movements.
• Flags, banners or fabric elements that flutter audibly in ventilation streams.
• Natural materials such as bamboo or grasses that have inherent acoustic properties.

Research shows that pleasant smells from fragrant trees can even reduce the perceived nuisance of traffic noise, emphasizing the multisensory nature of the environmental experience.

Hidden sound systems and ambient music

With discrete speaker systems that are integrated into ceilings, walls, or furniture, you can introduce carefully curated ambient sounds without being visually disruptive. For example, consider:

• Background music in shops, restaurants or wellness centers.
• Natural sounds (forest sounds, ocean waves) in healthcare institutions or spas.
• White or pink noise for sound masking in offices.
• Cultural or location-specific sounds that create a sense of place.

Interactive sound installations

For projects where the acoustic experience is at the heart of the concept, interactive installations create dynamic, responsive environments. They can respond to:

• User movements via motion sensors.
• Touch or gestures via capacitive or proximity sensors.
• Environmental factors such as temperature, light or air quality.

Such installations are particularly attractive in public spaces, museums, branded environments or hospitality projects where an unforgettable experience comes first.

‍

Measurement and Prediction: Evidence-Based Design Tools

Effective sound environment design requires going beyond intuition and opting for evidence-based decision making. There are now several standardized tools and methodologies that support this approach.

The ISO 12913 Framework

The International Organization for Standardization has, with the ISO 12913 Series developed a comprehensive framework for assessing the sound environment. This offers:

• Standardised definitions and conceptual frameworks (ISO 12913-1:2014).
• Data Collection and Reporting Guidelines (ISO/TS 12913-2:2018).
• Data Analysis Methodologies (ISO/TS 12913-3:2019)).

Perceptual assessment

Instead of relying solely on decibel measurements, today's assessment of soundscapes uses perceptual characteristics: subjective qualities that are assessed using questionnaires. The eight most important features are:

• Pleasant/Annoying.
• Lively/monotone.
• Moved/Calm.
• Calm/Chaotic.

Together, these form two main dimensions: pleasantness and movementness, which together describe the subjective quality of a soundscape.

Acoustic simulation and modelling

Prior to construction, acoustic engineers use advanced software to predict sound behavior:

• With acoustic modelling software (Odeon, EASE) materials, shapes and configurations can be tested virtually.
• Physical acoustic models at a scale of 1:10 or 1:20 provide empirical validation for complex spaces such as concert halls.
• Artificial neural network models (ANN) integrate multiple variables (physical characteristics, acoustic parameters, user characteristics) to predict the subjective quality of the soundscape.

Auralization and immersive viewing

The most powerful aspect of auralization tools maybe you and your customers can actually experience a planned sound environment before it's built. Technologies such as Arup SoundLab™ combine:

• 3D sound recordings.
• Multi-speaker setups.
• VR visualization.
• 360-degree camera footage.

This provides hyper-realistic auditory and visual experiences that enable informed decision-making and meaningful stakeholder participation.

‍

Practical application: from theory to practice

Let's illustrate these principles with practical examples that show how thoughtful sound design can transform spaces.

Open office: balance between collaboration and concentration

Modern workplaces require acoustic flexibility that supports both collaboration and deep concentration in the same environment.

Strategic approaches:

• Acoustic zoning using ceiling-mounted baffles of clouds over collaborative spaces, with heavier absorption over concentration zones.
• Modular acoustic furniture as Akuarts In Your Room, which offer a flexible closure without a permanent construction, creating private concentration zones within open environments.
• Agency‑level interventions using acoustic screens, so that individuals have control over their immediate sound environment.
• Sound masking systems that introduce a low level of ambient noise to increase speech privacy without creating oppressive silence.

Offer for workplaces acoustic desk dividers personal zones of acoustic comfort. Solutions such as the desk screens from Impact Acoustic give individuals control over their direct sound environment without the need for a complete shutdown.

Restaurant design: creating the right acoustic energy

In the hospitality industry, acoustics have a direct influence on guests' experience and even their sensory perception (studies show that acoustics influence how food tastes). The challenge is to create vibrant social energy without loud, unpleasant noise.

Design strategies:

• Partial absorption through ceiling coverings whether wall panels to control excessive reverb while maintaining acoustic vibrancy.
• Strategic material balance: soft furniture (upholstered chairs, curtains) combined with hard surfaces (wooden tables, tiled floors) provide acoustic interest.
• Acoustic lighting that offers both lighting and sound absorption.
• Hanging elements (fabric installations, acoustic baffles) that reduce ceiling height and capture sound energy.

Products from partners such as Slalom, Mogu whether Baux offer design-oriented solutions that improve the atmosphere and control acoustics at the same time.

Learning environments: designing for clarity and concentration

Classrooms face unique acoustic challenges: supporting clear communication between teacher and student, while at the same time managing the energetic sound environment of active students.

Key considerations:

Classroom acoustics have a direct impact on learning outcomes. Excessive reverb reduces speech intelligibility, forcing teachers to exert their voice and students to work harder to process information. Research consistently shows that poor acoustics correlate with decreased comprehension, increased mental fatigue, and lower school performance.

Design strategies:

• Ceiling absorption is critical in classrooms with hard floors (for easy cleaning). Acoustic ceiling tiles, clouds, or baffles reduce reverberation from above, where noise naturally accumulates.
• Wallcoverings with fabric panels or Akoesta® 56H - wall panels can be personalized with educational images, artworks, or even student work, transforming acoustic solutions into teaching tools.
• Acoustic furniture, including soft seats with built-in absorption and movable acoustic screens that teachers can rearrange based on the activity.
• Zoning strategies that separate quiet study areas from collaborative zones, using spatial planning instead of walls to maintain visual supervision.

Special considerations for multi-functional spaces: Cafeterias, gymnasiums and auditoriums are an enormous acoustic challenge because of their hard surfaces and large volumes. Suspended acoustic panels, wall-mounted absorbers at strategic heights and a careful choice of materials for floors and furniture help control acoustic energy without compromising the functional requirements of the spaces.

Universities and Libraries benefit from acoustic zoning that creates gradations from quiet study areas to collaborative spaces, using ceiling treatments, partitions and strategic furniture placement to define acoustic zones without rigid divisions.

Healthcare environments: sound as a healing element

In care environments noise has a direct impact on patient recovery, staff performance and overall healing results. Hospitals and clinics are among the most challenging acoustic environments, where life-saving equipment, urgent communication, and ongoing activity create a constant soundscape that can hamper rather than support the healing process.

The impact of acoustics in healthcare: Studies show that excessive noise in hospitals increases patient stress, disrupts sleep, increases blood pressure, and can even delay recovery. Healthcare workers experience more fatigue, higher error rates and more burnout in acoustically difficult environments.

Patient Room Design Strategies:

• Absorption by means of ceiling systems, wall panels and even acoustic curtain systems that reduce reverberation while meeting infection control standards.
• Soundproofing between patient rooms by means of a good wall construction, acoustic seals on doors and strategic placement of mechanical systems outside the patient areas.
• Natural sound integration by means of water features in waiting areas, nature sounds in treatment rooms or courtyards that offer acoustic peace.
• Material selection preferring smooth, non-porous surfaces required for infection control, combined with strategic acoustic treatments that comply with healthcare standards.

Intensive care and recovery rooms: private patient rooms benefit from acoustic treatments that reduce both internal reverb (making voices and equipment noise sound less loud) and sound transmission between rooms (protecting patient privacy and reducing disturbances). Products such as ARCHISONIC® that meet stringent fire safety and hygiene requirements while providing Class A absorption are ideal for these sensitive environments.

Staff and work areas: Nursing stations, corridors, and workspaces benefit from an acoustic design that supports clear communication while managing the cumulative noise of activities. Ceiling absorption, acoustic lighting fixtures and strategic use of soft materials in break rooms help create environments where staff can focus and reduce stress.

Waiting and family rooms: More visible acoustic measures can be used in these transition rooms, for example: artistic wall panels by Akuart, customized acoustic solutions with soothing images or sculptural ceiling elements that have both an acoustic function and are visually interesting, creating a relaxing environment in stressful times.

Deeper into the subject: architectural principles for soundscapes

While this paper focuses on practical strategies for designing soundscapes, the theoretical foundations and broader architectural implications deserve more in-depth exploration. For a comprehensive insight into how thinking about soundscapes has evolved from traditional acoustics, the psychological dimensions of acoustic experiences, and emerging trends shaping the future of architectural sound, we invite you to read our accompanying article: Architectural soundscapes: from acoustic control to sensory design.

This article looks at the evolution from architectural acoustics to soundscape design, key acoustic concepts and terminology, how sound affects health and well-being, advanced measurement tools and standardization frameworks, and the future of responsive acoustic environments.

Together, these two articles provide a complete basis for integrating soundscape thinking into your design practice.

‍

Akoesta's partnership approach to sound design

At Akoesta, we believe that acoustics is not a limitation, but an opportunity to both beauty as a way to improve the functionality of your design. Not only do we provide materials, we also work with you throughout the design process. Our team offers customized acoustic assessments, expert advice on material selection and spatial strategies, customized solutions that seamlessly match your vision, and professional installation with post-commissioning verification.

We work with leading partners including Impact Acoustic (ARCHISONIC®), Glimäkra, Slalom, Mogu, Baux, Akuart and more, giving us access to advanced acoustic innovations in a range of materials: from elegant wooden systems and PET felt panels to mycelium-based biomaterials and customized printed solutions. Our philosophy prioritizes well-being, comfort, and experience over mere noise reduction, so you can create environments where sound enhances functionality and atmosphere.

‍

Conclusion: Creating multisensory spaces

Sound influences the experience just as strongly as light, shape and material. By applying the principles of soundscape design (thinking strategically about what to reduce, maintain, and add), you can create acoustic environments that enhance comfort, support functionality, and create a memorable spatial character.

Whether you're designing a quiet library, a lively restaurant, a focused workspace or a healing care environment, consciously designing sound transforms good projects into truly exceptional projects. Acoustic design is no longer an afterthought or a purely technical exercise, it's a fundamental part of creating spaces where people really want to be.

Ready to learn how sound design can improve your next project? Get in touch with Akoesta for a consultation or check us out full range of acoustic solutions to discover inspiring materials.

‍

‍

FAQs

What's the difference between sound control and soundscape design?

Noise control is a reactive, problem-oriented approach that aims to reduce or eliminate unwanted noise through technical interventions. Soundscape design is a proactive, holistic approach that takes into account the entire acoustic environment: reducing unwanted sounds, retaining valuable sounds, and introducing new acoustic elements to create conscious, meaningful sound experiences. While noise control asks the question “how quiet can we make this?” , soundscape design asks “what should this space sound like to optimally support its function and improve the experience?”

When should I involve an acoustics specialist in my project?

As early as possible, ideally during conceptual design. Decisions about spatial layout, geometry, choice of materials and program connections all have major acoustic consequences. By paying early attention to acoustics, elegant, integrated solutions can be found. Retrofitting acoustic measures after construction is usually more expensive, disruptive and aesthetically less attractive. Early collaboration between architects, interior designers and acoustic specialists provides the best results.

How do I ensure a balance between vibrant social energy and acoustic comfort in hospitality or retail spaces?

The goal is not silence, but to achieve the right acoustic properties for your program. In restaurants, cafes or retail environments, a certain level of ambient noise provides energy and social connection. The key is controlling reverb and echo that make spaces harsh and uncomfortable while maintaining the energy that makes them attractive. This typically includes partial absorption (ceiling treatments, selective wall panels, soft furnishings) combined with the strategic use of reflective surfaces. Acoustic lighting, hanging elements and carefully chosen materials ensure a balance between vibrancy and comfort.

Can acoustic solutions be visually integrated or do they always look utilitarian?

Modern acoustic materials have evolved far beyond the utilitarian ceiling tiles and foam panels of the past. Today's solutions include elegant wooden systems, textile installations with custom images, sculptural ceiling elements, acoustic furniture, and even mycelium-based biomaterials. Many products are fully customizable in terms of color, shape, texture and pattern. When acoustic considerations are addressed early in the design process, solutions can be seamlessly integrated and often become a design element themselves rather than visible “solutions”. The key is to see acoustics as a design opportunity rather than a limitation.