Date of Submission

Spring 5-1-2020

Degree Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Architecture

Department

Architecture

Committee Chair/First Advisor

Dr. Ermal Shpuza

Abstract

The design of workplaces is often complex because it balances two opposing forces: on the one hand, innovation and creativity often involve teamwork processes and collaboration, occurring in spaces which may then produce higher than normal noise levels. On the other hand, many work processes rely on individual work, which requires quiet spaces needed for concentration. Another complex issues that office design architects must address involves the ever changing nature of workplaces, either as part of short-term evolving daily activities or as part of the longer-term changes organizations have to bring to their managerial style in order to stay competitive and productive.

This thesis proposes an experimental methods of improving acoustic properties in open-plan offices using a two-fold approach: specific tailoring of acoustic panels and other devices used in as needed bases; and the arrangement of office layouts to better match the managerial profile of organizations in terms of autonomy and interaction.

This thesis develops and tests the hypothesis that the balance of visual connectivity and auditory privacy in the workplace through the creation of organized sound composing a focus-driven atmosphere will improve the efficiency of the collaborative workplace and its environment. By observing in detail the elements of sound, materiality and effective experimenting, the thesis incorporates a process allowing for the control of the sound in the workplace, and thus encouraging higher productivity in the office space. By studying an open office space that can offer surfaces it determines modifications depending on the qualities of the room. The open office must become a culture that can identify the issues within its wall and the most effective way to contra rest the loose of focus. The goal is to improve the process in which architecture creates a better functional office space for people to use. By referencing back to past work this thesis tackles this issue using tools and by gathering information from past attempts and precedents. Building a strong backbone for this process to work is key for the future investigation to endure.

This thesis develops the argument that introduces sound into architecture as the main goal. To better demonstrate the purpose of the thesis experiments that measures sound physically in the environment will be simulated and analyzed with digital tools that design into an existing space. The analyzed space is specifically an office space that way the result provides structure for the theorem and concept. The expected results are analyzed in order to prove that acoustic design is a major factor and it improves the efficiency in the workplace without disregarding visual connectivity.

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