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Global—The workplace acoustics glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you will meet when specifying booths, pods and quiet rooms: acoustics, air, standards and the vocabulary of modern offices.
Acoustic Panel
An acoustic panel is a sound-absorbing surface designed to reduce echo and control noise within a space. Typically made from soft, porous materials, panels help improve clarity and comfort by limiting sound reflections rather than blocking sound from passing through walls. Why Acoustic Panels Improve Sound Quality and Reduce Echo An acoustic panel is a material designed to absorb sound
Read the definition →Active Ventilation
Active ventilation refers to the use of integrated systems, such as fans, to circulate air within an enclosed space. In acoustic booths, it draws in and moves air to maintain comfort and usability. It works alongside a building’s HVAC system rather than replacing it, supporting airflow in real-world environments. Why Active Ventilation Is Essential for Enclosed Spaces Active ventilation plays
Read the definition →Biophilic Design
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and interior design that incorporates natural elements, plants, natural light, water features, organic materials, and views of nature, into the built environment. The goal is to strengthen the connection between people and nature in spaces where they spend most of their time. Why Biophilic Design Improves Focus, Wellbeing, and Productivity at Work Humans
Read the definition →Decibel (dB)
A decibel (dB) is a unit used to measure sound level. It is based on a logarithmic scale, meaning small changes in dB represent significant differences in perceived loudness. Decibels are used to quantify how loud a sound is and to compare changes in sound levels between environments. Why Decibels Matter in Acoustic Performance Decibels are the standard unit for
Read the definition →Hot-Desking / Hoteling
Hot-desking is a workplace arrangement where employees don’t have assigned desks, instead claiming any available seat when they arrive. Hoteling is a variation where desks are reserved in advance, like booking a hotel room. Both strategies are common in hybrid workplaces aiming to reduce real estate costs and accommodate flexible attendance. Why Hot-Desking Fails Without Acoustic Privacy Solutions When hybrid
Read the definition →Huddle Room
A huddle room is a small, enclosed meeting space designed for groups of two to six people. Built for quick, impromptu collaboration rather than formal boardroom presentations, huddle rooms typically include basic AV equipment, seating, and acoustic treatment to support clear conversation without disturbing the surrounding open office. Why Huddle Rooms Deliver More Value Per Square Foot Than Conference Rooms
Read the definition →Indoor Air Quality (IAQ)
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) refers to the condition of air within a space, including ventilation, airborne contaminants, and material emissions. It is influenced by both airflow and the materials used within an environment. Good IAQ supports comfort, health, and usability, especially in enclosed or frequently occupied spaces. Why Indoor Air Quality Matters in Enclosed Workspaces IAQ plays a critical role
Read the definition →ISO 23351
ISO 23351 is an international standard for measuring speech reduction in enclosed, furniture-like workspaces such as office booths. It evaluates acoustic performance under real-world conditions, accounting for factors like openings, ventilation, and installation environments, making it more relevant than traditional wall-based metrics for assessing speech privacy. Why ISO 23351 Matters for Modern Acoustic Spaces ISO 23351 was developed to address
Read the definition →Noise Flanking
Noise flanking occurs when sound travels around a barrier through indirect paths such as gaps, ceilings, floors, or shared airways. Instead of passing through a wall, sound bypasses it, reducing overall acoustic performance. It is a common cause of reduced speech privacy in real-world environments. Why Noise Flanking Impacts Acoustic Performance Noise flanking is one of the most overlooked factors
Read the definition →Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC)
Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) measures how much sound a material absorbs within a space, rated from 0 to 1. Higher NRC materials reduce echo and noise buildup, improving clarity and comfort. It does not block sound between spaces, but instead controls how sound behaves within an environment. Why NRC Matters for Internal Acoustic Comfort NRC is a key metric for
Read the definition →Office Phone Booth
An office phone booth is a compact, acoustically engineered enclosure designed for private calls, focused work, or video meetings in open-plan offices. Unlike full conference rooms, phone booths are self-contained, quick to install, and can be relocated as your team’s needs change. They solve the most common complaint in modern offices: lack of privacy. Why Office Phone Booths Fix the
Read the definition →Reverberation Time (RT60)
Reverberation Time (RT60) measures how long it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels after the source stops. It indicates how reflective or absorptive a space is. Shorter RT60 improves speech clarity, while longer RT60 increases echo and noise buildup, impacting comfort and overall acoustic performance. Why Reverberation Time Matters for Speech Clarity Reverberation Time (RT60) plays a key
Read the definition →Seismic Anchoring
Seismic anchoring refers to the hardware and connection points fastened directly into the floor of a building to hold a freestanding structure, such as an office booth, in place during an earthquake. In practice, this means drilling into the floor slab, usually concrete, and installing anchor bolts that create a fixed connection between the building and the booth. Why Seismic
Read the definition →Seismic Bracing
Seismic bracing refers to the brackets and hardware fitted to a freestanding structure, such as an office booth, that secure it to fixed anchor points in the building so it cannot tip or slide during an earthquake. The brackets attach to the booth’s base or frame and tie the structure to anchors installed in the floor. Why Seismic Bracing Matters
Read the definition →Sound Transmission Class (STC)
Sound Transmission Class (STC) measures how well a sealed wall reduces airborne sound under controlled lab conditions. While useful for traditional construction, it does not reflect real-world performance in open or ventilated environments, where factors like gaps and airflow impact sound isolation. Why STC Falls Short in Real-World Acoustic Environments STC is often treated as a universal measure of acoustic
Read the definition →Speech Privacy
Speech privacy refers to the degree to which conversations are unintelligible to others outside a space. It focuses on reducing speech clarity rather than eliminating sound entirely. Because some sound is often still audible, speech privacy is achieved when conversations can no longer be easily understood, minimizing distraction and protecting sensitive information. Why Speech Privacy Matters in Modern Workspaces Speech
Read the definition →Speech Reduction
Speech reduction refers to the decrease in sound level, measured in decibels, as speech travels from one space to another. It reflects real-world acoustic performance by accounting for factors like gaps, ventilation, and surrounding noise, making it a more practical metric than lab-based ratings for understanding how sound is experienced in open environments. Why Speech Reduction Matters in Real-World Acoustic
Read the definition →Work Pod
A work pod is a freestanding, modular enclosure designed to provide individuals or small groups with a quiet, private workspace within an open office. They are typically pre-engineered with acoustic insulation, ventilation, and power, allowing them to be installed and relocated without permanent construction or significant downtime. Why Work Pods Make Open Offices Actually Functional The modern office has a
Read the definition →Need a quieter workspace?
Bureau booths deliver 30 dB of speech reduction and install in hours. Compare the range or talk to our team about your floor plan.