THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN AUDITORY COMFORT AND PRIVACY IN OPEN-PLAN OFFICE SPACES

Authors : Penbegül Öztürk, Uğur Özcan

Pages : 123-144

View : 29 | Download : 47

Publication Date : 2024-06-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :The emergence of open-plan office spaces has brought challenges in maintaining aural comfort and user privacy. Their design needs to strike a delicate balance between encouraging collaboration and providing individual privacy and aural comfort. As businesses seek to provide flexible, cost-effective workspaces that encourage team-based working, the management of audio and visual privacy has become a critical consideration. Accordingly, this study aims to examine the complex relationship between these two critical aspects of workplace design and its impact on employee well-being and productivity. Through a comprehensive literature review of acoustic design strategies and user-centred design principles, the study explores the case that no-ise and lack of privacy can lead to workplace dissatisfaction and stress. The app-lication of natural elements and quiet zones to reduce noise and create spaces for concentration and privacy is discussed. Furthermore, the study explores innovative solutions that aim to provide acoustic privacy without compromising the collaborative benefits of open-plan layouts. Drawing on recent work and best practice in office design, the importance of a balanced approach to enhancing auditory comfort while ensuring user privacy in open-plan offices is emphasised, pointing out that this is essential to promote a healthy, productive and satisfying working environment.
Keywords : Açık plan ofis, İşitsel konfor, Akustik, Mahremiyet, Gürültü