How to Design Better with Sound

Designing Soundscapes

Noble launched the conversation by introducing the audience to the concept of soundscapes—the textures, patterns, and types of sounds that make up the auditory environment. She explored geophony (the sounds of the earth), anthrophony (the sounds of humans), and biophony (the sounds of life), and how these soundscapes shape a space’s sensory experience and even have the potential to reduce stress, pain, and even influence hormonal balance. “Soundscapes can offer solace and remind us of our intrinsic connection to nature and the primordial. We’re seeing a lot of mental and physical gains by integrating soundscapes,” she noted. Noble also emphasized the growing importance of thinking about circadian rhythms, not only through lighting but through sound.

Elaborating on the nuances of incorporating sound into programming, Noble asked: “Who are the inhabitants of the space, and what are their needs?” While all spaces can benefit from acoustic design, not all spaces will approach sound in the same way. 

As Von Lehe added later, creating cohesive acoustic environments should be as essential as selecting textures or lighting, because, “no matter what you will be having an acoustic experience.” While you may need a different acoustic design for a loud restaurant or theater compared to a corporate office, “You want to have good acoustics everywhere,” she said. “You want to have thoughtful acoustics that are appropriate for healing environments in health care, you want acoustics that are appropriate for different workstyles in the workplace—it is one of the senses that we need to be designing with in every market.”

Going Beyond Noise Control

Kimteri Kim elaborated on her experiences working on projects where acoustic adjustments were addressed only after construction. “Typical acoustic metrics, like those for measuring background sounds and reverberation give us a starting point for assessing our environment. But when it comes to soundscapes, using standardized measurements could present some challenges because these metrics don’t always capture the cultural context or individual sensitives,” she explained, noting the importance of post-occupancy surveys and user experience.

With this in mind, retrofitting spaces for acoustics can be challenging and costly; thus, Kim agreed with Noble and Von Lehe that integrating sound design from the beginning is critical. By considering acoustics as a core component of programming, designers can avoid timeline complications.

Kim noted that acoustic design is not merely about absorbing noise or blocking unwanted sounds. It also involves creating a balanced, continuous sound environment. Sound should flow between different spaces cohesively, rather than isolating certain areas acoustically. This holistic approach is especially vital in adaptive reuse projects, where programs change over time. These spaces often have unique acoustic challenges that need to be addressed before the move-in of a new owner. 

Practical Concerns and Innovative Solutions

The Q&A session illuminated several real-world issues designers face in their acoustic efforts. A question about creating soundscapes with recorded sounds prompted the panel to delve into the power of artificial soundscapes, provided they are purposefully selected and tailored to the specific environment.

Another audience member highlighted the challenges of incorporating sound-absorbing materials in public restrooms, where maintenance, privacy, and disinfection are concerns. The panelists suggested that durable materials designed for high-humidity areas, such as sealed acoustic panels or easily cleaned wall textures, could provide effective solutions without compromising hygiene.

The panelists also highlighted IWBI’s WELL Sound concept, explaining that it is a valuable guide for determining appropriate sound levels across different building zones, aligning with specific user needs. The map serves as a framework for maintaining balanced acoustics, enhancing occupants’ experience and productivity, and offering designers a structured approach to sound-based solutions.

Moving Toward an Integrated Approach to Acoustics

Designing for sound is no longer a specialized consideration but a fundamental part of creating spaces that feel as good as they look. Overall, each panelist provided a fresh perspective on how to use sound as a tool that can transform space. As more designers integrate sound into their projects from the start, the potential for crafting truly multisensory, impactful environments continues to grow. And as we increasingly understand the relationship between sound and well-being, soundscapes will become a cornerstone of health- and human-centered design. 

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• Acoustics
• Ames Design Collective
• HDR
• Intertek
• Sound design
• Turf