The problem of noise in open plan offices 

In an open plan office, there is always a tension between those who need to concentrate and those who need to communicate – whether face-to-face or virtually. The key is careful zoning, where each area is designed with its own acoustic character. People experience sound differently – it is called aural diversity. Aural diversity simply means that everybody hears differently. Some people have different levels of sensitivity to frequencies and volumes and process sound in a different way to others. Designers and business leaders should be attuned to inclusive acoustic design to make the office soundscape as comfortable as possible for their teams.  

Why ISO 22955 matters in open‑plan offices

ISO22955 Acoustic quality of open office spaces* is an international standard that provides the blueprint for planning acoustics in open-plan offices using a combination of zoning, space planning and product performance. It provides practical guidance on how much sound absorption is required in six zone types, focusing on controlling speech propagation and reverberation.

Thumbnail for Walkthrough video
Thumbnail image for "office acoustic solutions for aural diversity

Recent project featuring Rockfon ISO 22955 Acoustic Service

“We needed a workspace that genuinely worked for our team. Many of our colleagues process information differently or need varied environments to be at their best. Acoustics weren’t just a detail – they were critical to wellbeing and productivity”

Paddy Stratern, Associate Director at Synechron

Synechron in Belfast Ireland with Rockfon Tropic
“Working with Rockfon, we knew the acoustic performance was handled without
compromising our design vision. Their solutions weren’t an add-on – they were built
into the design.”

Linda Williams

Interior Designer, FKM Fit-out specialists

Let’s plan your ISO 22955 open-plan office

Request a Lunch & Learn to see how ISO 22955 can work for your space or contact deirdre.mulvaney@rockfon.com

Synechron in Belfast Ireland with Rockfon Universal Baffle