Introduction

"There are no full height partitions in an open-plan office to block sound transmission between adjacent work stations. Instead, partial height barriers, a sound absorbing ceiling and absorption on vertical surfaces are used to provide sound attention between individuals. These, in combinations with work station layout and appropriate levels of broad band masking sound are used to obtain acceptable degrees of acoustical privacy."

Summary of Guide

3.1 Acoustical Privacy - The attenuation of sound between neighboring workstations in an open-plan office is typically much less than that potentially available between closed-plan offices. Nevertheless, a degree of acoustical privacy can be achieved if component selection and interaction are understood. A successful open plan office is the result of careful coordination of the several components, ceiling wall treatments, furniture and furnishings, heating, ventilating and air-conditioning system, and masking sound system.

6.4 Masking Sound
6.4.1 Since acoustical privacy is a signal (intruding sound) to noise (prevailing ambient) consideration, precise control of the ambient sound is an essential element for achieving sound privacy in the open plan office. A properly designed, installed, and adjusted electronic sound masking system is the most effective means of controlling the ambient sound.

6.4.2.3 The main equalizer should have at least one-third octave resolution.

7.1 Since the performance of an open office is dependent on the interaction of several components, it is important that the influence of the various elements and components be investigated early in the planning phase.