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which is substantially a phone booth, and reaching a medium size of 3x3
m, all the way to the largest unit, measuring 6x6 m. Where the installation
is concerned, there are various options depending on the foreseen use and
the type of acoustic performance required, involving soundproofing based
on the type of glass that is utilized, or sound absorption, depending on the
quantity of inserted panels. For acoustic correction, a technology for high
sound absorption has been developed based on hypoallergenic, non-toxic
and flameproof materials used in the automotive sector. Other options
include the use of sliding or leaf doors, for better soundproofing. Inside, the
boxes can be customized with technical modules that offering connections
for communication technologies and video conferences.”
Together with the vertical parts, the acoustic efficacy is provided by the
ceiling, a crucial part of these solution, also to support lighting, ventilation
and climate control systems. In some cases an independent floor is also
provided, again to improve sound performance, though there are also
solutions for direct assembly on existing floors, with special joints and
sound-absorbing pads to use if the floors are made with hard materials like
natural stone which reflect sound waves.
The forms and characteristics vary, depending on the type of application
addressed by the concepts of acoustic pods oriented towards the world of
the office, but also beyond it.
Roberto Bruniera says that at Faram the Bubble project was developed
starting with the concept of privacy: “we asked ourselves what it means
to provide privacy, because it is a word that has various facets. So we
developed an object that depending on its cladding can perform different
functions. We also thought about privacy in schools, for conversations
in the corridors; in shopping centers, where acoustic booths can
become a marketing tool, with walls that host graphics and screens for
communications. In airports we can imagine solutions with the opening
of the doors managed by automation system, permitting users to reserve
rooms from a mobile phone and gain access to booths in which to organize
a meeting, making better use of the time spent waiting for a flight. Bubble
has been designed with a rounded form to facilitate the flow of people in
high-traffic areas. The research on the curvature of the glass walls was
also fundamental to achieve optimal acoustic comfort, because in such
small spaces the phenomenon of sound reflection is amplified. All this is
accompanied by high-performance fabrics, especially in terms of sound
absorption, where specific materials and above all particular workmanship
can help to achieve excellent results. The mapping of the sound waves
inside Bubble shows that they are detoured by the curvature of the glass and
then absorbed by the acoustic panels covered in 3D fabrics, considerably
reducing reverberation. Clearly the tests and measurements do not apply to
individual materials, but to the overall performance of the whole installation.”
Physical plant, a tool of wellbeing
In the development of each project one fundamental passage has to do with
the study of ventilation systems, essential for spaces that are totally closed
off and independent of the building.
“The problem of ventilation is always lurking – says Bruniera – and the
circulation of air, or even worse the cooling of the protected space, runs
up against the environmental conditions of the open space in which it
is installed, in terms of acoustics but also of temperature, etc. Specific
projects are required, which through special materials and technological
research can produce high-efficiency ‘privacy modules’ to reduce the
environmental impact of the installation. The forms, finishes and materials
utilized, accompanied by technology, are the necessary mixture with which
to approach a very demanding market.”
Versatility and flexibility are always crucial factors. The market, in fact,
also offers variety when it comes to physical plant systems, to respond
to individual needs with “tailor-made” solutions in spite of the fact that
standardization is a key feature of this type of product.
Architect Albera, referring to the design of Chakra, explains the most difficult
issues of the approach to physical plant: “in a small, completely closed
space, without a controlled mechanical ventilation system, the air would
soon become stale, making it unpleasant to spend much time inside the
pod. The aspect of aeration was one of the topics most often discussed in
the design phase, and it was resolved by the technicians at Universal Selecta
through three upgrades. The first is for situations where occasional use is
envisioned, introducing a continuous natural ventilation system that would
ensure air turnover. For situations where intensive use on the part of multiple
persons is foreseen, the box can be connected to the climate control system
of the office, with the input of fresh air as well as ventilation. Finally, for
applications in retail spaces or stations, and in all places where a climate
control system is not available, an independent air conditioning system
has been included. In the area of wiring, the starting point is the floor-level
connection, which makes it possible to insert the box in the office’s physical
plant systems; the wiring is then routed along the posts or through sheet-
metal housings outside the glass. It is then possible to install small monitor,
and on the outside to insert digital signage systems.”
Citterio’s proposals make use of custom climate control systems positioned
on the ceiling and inside the box, making the product “plug and play.”
Together with aeration, light is a fundamental factor of comfort, and the path
chosen by the designers is to insert LED fixtures in the ceiling to optimize
space and brightness levels. To improve functional quality, the lighting
system is often outfitted with sensors to detect the opening and closing of
the door and the presence of users.
In certain versions, for complete independence of the acoustic pod, rechargeable
batteries are used to permit totally free positioning of the unit in space.
Niwa
è il box autoportante di
Mascagni
che delimita lo spazio creando barriere
sonore senza vincoli visivi. Il soffitto, inclusivo di impianto di areazione e
illuminazione, è composto dal pannello fono-assorbente TrèS Sound.
La struttura realizzata in profili in legno massello incornicia vetri di tipo
extra-chiaro, stratificati e con pvb acustico, per la massima trasparenza
e riservatezza
Officelayout 170
luglio-settembre 2017
63