A Sound Working Environment: Optimizing the Acoustic Properties of Open Plan Workspaces Using Parametric Models

Optimizing the acoustic environment of open plan offices is a complex task due to the large number of design parameters that must be considered. In current practice, acoustic analysis – even in a simplified form – is not naturally integrated into the design process of office spaces. Applying digital acoustic simulation in architectural design currently requires a time consuming back-and-forth transition between geometric modelling programs and specialist analysis software. In this study, an acoustic ray tracer was developed within Grasshopper and coupled to Galapagos in order to optimize the acoustics of an open office space. This tool has been tested and validated through a case study performed on an existing office space in the Netherlands. This study demonstrates the possibility to computationally optimize open plan workspaces by way of acoustic analysis performed on a parametric model. In its
current form the presented model is still limited in its features and calculation speed. Hence, further development of the tool is needed in order to facilitate a truly seamless iteration and hands-on evaluation of different design configurations (with respect to room acoustic performance).