ACOUSTIC COMFORT: Sound Matters in Architectural Design

Date: 21 July 2021.

No matter where we are, sounds affect us physiologically, psychologically, cognitively and behaviorally all the time - even though we’re not conscious of it. And so, it is rightly said that well-designed spaces must sound as good as it looks.

Visual and aural perception are complementary systems. It is not a question of one being better than the other; instead, they actually balance each other. Hence, it is no longer viable to ignore the auditory sense when designing any space.

Sound is an important part of an architectural design plan. The productivity and wellbeing of residents, visitors, and workers within a building can be affected by how well thought out the acoustics are. For example, in classrooms, libraries, churches, meeting rooms, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, etc. the design has to be such that it is easy to speak and comfortable to listen. Even a simple small room sounds very different when a window is open. In short, sound defines, animates, and enlarges the architecture.

Building acoustics can be influenced by:

  • The geometry and volume of a space.
  • The sound absorption, transmission, and reflection characteristics of surfaces enclosing the space and within the space.
  • The sound absorption, transmission, and reflection characteristics of materials separating spaces.
  • Airborne sound transmission etc

With outside environments getting busier and noisier by the day, it is important to design a responsive environment and create a soundscape that is conducive to the end-user. And IMK Architects is one such firm that takes into consideration all these aspects.

IMK Architects builds contextual, sustainable, and environmentally holistic buildings. One of the top architectural firms in India – the firm’s design philosophy is based on biophilic architecture. The focus and commitment is to design socially responsive environments where people and activities thrive and flourish.

Led by a core team of experienced architects the firm has expertise in various segments ranging from healthcare, hospitality, educational campuses, institutions, self-redevelopment, residential townships, and more. So if you are looking for the best hotel architect, university architect, residential architect or hospital architect in India – get in touch with IMK Architects today.