Turku UAS created a tool to calculate the acoustic quality of an open plan office

The tool is free of charge and available online for everyone.

Text: by Siiri Welling

The Built Environment Research Group of Turku University of Applied Sciences has published a new tool to calculate the acoustic properties of an open office. The tool is available online. The calculator records room dimensions, sound absorbing materials for room surfaces, wall thicknesses and ventilation sound levels.

“We released the first online version of the tool back in 2008, and it was years ahead of its time. The tool then fell into obscurity as our business changed. Yet it has been in constant demand back online. That’s why we decided to modify the tool we created earlier and update it,” says Valtteri Hongisto, the leader of the research team.

The online tool has been updated to meet the requirements of the latest international standard ISO 3382-3. The tool is particularly suitable for acoustic designers or other people with a background in acoustics. Manufacturers of acoustic products will also benefit from the new tool, as it will allow them to demonstrate the effects of their products.

The tool is designed to serve acoustic designers globally. The tool allows the expert to draw conclusions very quickly on the next steps to be taken.

“The tool is designed to serve acoustic designers globally. The tool allows the expert to draw conclusions very quickly on the next steps to be taken,” explains Hongisto.

The tool has been updated during the MOTTI – Indoor Environment and Wellbeing in Premises project. The project ended in June 2024. Hongisto knows that the tool is unique in the world. The tool is based on scientific, peer-reviewed material. In addition, Hongisto’s own research team has conducted numerous psychological studies showing that high quality room acoustics increase work performance.

“No other organisation in the world has created such a tool. It is now open for everyone to use, so anyone who is interested can do their own calculations,” says Hongisto.

Get to know the acoustic tool.

The article was published on 19.2.2024 on the previous turkuamk.fi website.

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