A control room brings many different sounds together. Conversations, phone calls, alerts and equipment all demand attention. Good acoustics help reduce distracting ambient noise and make important information easier to hear, especially in an environment that operates 24/7.
That is why CREON considers acoustics as part of the design of control rooms and dispatch centres.
Sound is part of everyday work in a mission-critical environment. Operators and dispatchers communicate, handle calls and need to hear relevant signals. At the same time, sound from neighbouring workstations can create unnecessary distraction.
Appropriate acoustic measures help create a more controlled sound environment. This supports clear communication, concentration and comfortable working during intensive use.
Control room acoustics are not determined by a single element. The room, layout, workstations, surfaces and sound sources all influence how sound travels through the space.
That is why we consider acoustics in relation to the overall design. This allows acoustic measures to be aligned with both the room and the way operators and dispatchers work and collaborate.
The right measures depend on the room and the way it is used. Acoustic solutions can be applied in different areas of the working environment, including:
Different measures can be incorporated into the design individually or in combination.
Good acoustic design is not about removing as much sound as possible. Operators need to communicate, hear alerts and work together without unnecessary distraction from ambient noise. That is why we consider acoustics in relation to the room, the workstations and everyday use.
No two control rooms sound the same. The size and layout of the room, the number of workstations, the materials used and the sound sources present all influence the acoustic environment. The right measures therefore depend on the specific space and how it is used.
Room for communication and concentration
In a 24/7 working environment, clear communication needs to remain possible without ambient noise creating unnecessary distraction. This requires attention to intelligibility and acoustic calm, while still supporting collaboration between operators and dispatchers.
Acoustics within ISO 11064
ISO 11064, the international series of standards for the ergonomic design of control centres, also addresses the working environment. ISO 11064-6 specifically covers environmental requirements, including the acoustic environment.
This reinforces the importance of considering acoustics as part of the control room design rather than treating them as an afterthought.
Would you like to improve the acoustics in your control room or consider them from the start of a new design? We will be happy to discuss an approach that fits your room, workstations and way of working.
