The key to innovation and inclusion
Acoustically designed spaces enable more: better communication, more creativity, and a social climate that fosters collaboration.
Promoting Thinking Processes
A study by the Fraunhofer Institute for Occupational Education and Organization (IAO) shows that spatial height, lighting conditions, and acoustic conditions directly affect thinking processes.
Specifically: Average noise levels (about 70 dB) promote abstract, creative thinking, while very quiet or very loud environments tend to be more inhibiting.
At the same time, high ceilings encourage conceptual thinking – that is, the ability to think freely, visionarily, and solution-oriented.
Increase Innovation Power
The study updated in 2021 "Success Factor Creativity" also emphasises that spatial design is a key driver of innovation capability in companies. According to the researchers, it is crucial to have an environment that offers both variety of stimuli such as inspiring materials, light-shadow interplay, and natural textures, as well as acoustic clarity.
Too many acoustic disturbances lead to mental overload and restrict creative processes – a targeted acoustic planning instead creates zones of inspiration, exchange, and focus.
Creativity is mouldable
Through acoustically optimised spaces with varying acoustic zones, adaptable lighting and conscious use of room height and materials environments can be created that not only look good – but also foster creative achievement.
Inclusion and equal opportunity
Acoustics in schools
Noise in the classroom
Noise is a serious problem - especially for students with special educational needs, hearing impairments, or language delays.
Studies show that the average noise level in classrooms often ranges from 60-70 dB - a level comparable to the noise of a busy street. For teachers to be understood at all, they need to raise their voice by about 15-20 dB - this can lead in the long term to vocal strain, stress, and increased risk of burnout.
Especially in inclusive classes with different learning prerequisites, the problem worsens: children with hearing impairments or special educational needs require a significantly higher Signal-to-Noise Ratio (Signal-to-Noise Ratio SNR) – so a clear acoustic distinction between speech and ambient noise – in order to process speech correctly at all.
Even slight reverberation or excessive background noise drastically reduces their speech intelligibility.
Lombard Effect
Another effect: the Lombard Effect, where people unconsciously raise their voice more and more as the ambient noise increases. This leads to a spiral of increasing loudness, which does not benefit students or teachers.
Conversely: if the room acoustics are deliberately improved, the volume in the room automatically decreases – communication becomes more relaxed, inclusive, and effective.
Equality of opportunity is achievable
Good room acoustics are a contribution to equal opportunities, teacher health, and inclusive learning.
Through targeted use of acoustic ceilings, wall absorbers, sound-absorbing furniture or acoustically effective lighting, the room acoustics can be significantly improved – without extensive structural work. The result: more quiet, clearer speech, more relaxed learning – and real participation for all.
Let your rooms reach their full potential
Would you like to learn how targeted acoustic design can promote creativity and innovation in your company – or are you planning to improve the acoustic conditions in an educational institution?
Feel free to contact us for personalized advice. We support you competently and personally – from planning to implementation.
Your personal consultation:
MORITZ JUNGWIRTH
Business Development
+43 664 88846944
jungwirth@moltoluce.com