6.9 Open Plan in Atriums and Circulation Spaces

Open plan spaces are often situated in atriums and circulation spaces. These spaces can provide functional, open plan areas but often suffer from two drawbacks. The first is disturbance from pupils moving through the circulation space. This can be improved through careful consideration of layout and the use of visual screens in and around the open plan area.

The second difficulty is in achieving the required level of soft treatment within these spaces. As per the Room Acoustics and Reverberation section, it is important to understand that these treatments can take many forms. The four illustrations provide a range of design options.

3 - The ceiling within the circulation zone has been acoustically treated. Perforated plasterboard is often used in these instances. This finish is unfortunately not particularly effective. Perforated wood/metal, wooden slats, ceiling tiles and other high performance finishes are preferable. It is also recommended that more surfaces, in addition to the ceiling be treated.

4 - Acoustic banners, wooden fins, cladding around beams, the backs of cupboards exposed to atriums and other elements, are all effective methods of adding acoustic treatment to spaces in atriums.

5 - Acoustic artwork can be added to balustrades and walls within an atrium.

6 - An effective alternative to these forms of treatment is to suspend acoustic absorption within atriums.

Please see www.machproducts.co.uk for further details