Acoustic Assessment of Shared Office Spaces: A Case Based Study

Abstract

This study investigates the acoustic conditions in shared flex-desk office spaces, where user requirements differ from those in traditional permanent open-plan offices. Unlike conventional office environments, shared workspaces accommodate a diverse and dynamic user base, necessitating greater flexibility in acoustic and spatial design. To assess the acoustic environment and user preferences, both subjective and objective data were collected. Subjective data was obtained through questionnaire, capturing occupants’ perceptions of noise levels, and overall comfort. Objective measurements were conducted to show activity noise levels during a typical workday. The data collected was then compared with assessment parameters defined in standard ISO 22955:2021, to identify discrepancies in user needs and expectations. The findings indicate that shared desk open-plan offices exhibit higher ambient noise levels than traditional open-plan offices, with intelligible speech being the most dominant source of disturbance. While perceived noise levels strongly correlated with disturbance, noise disturbance was not significantly linked to work load related factors, suggesting user adaptation or task-specific resilience. These results highlight the need to reassess conventional acoustic standards, such as ISO 22955:2021, to better accommodate the unique dynamics of shared workspaces. Specifically, shared workspace users show greater flexibility in noise levels and demands in spatial configurations, promoting the networking and transition of knowledge and collaborative nature of these environments. This study underscores the limitations of applying traditional office acoustic standards to shared environments and suggests the necessity for revised criteria that better reflect the unique demands of these spaces. © Copyright 2012 - 2025 IIAV - All Rights Reserved.