The Impact of Noise in Open Work-areas on Faculty Members' work in Tertiary Educational Buildings

Abstract

Acoustic is an important part of any working environment. Particularly educational buildings where the level of concentration is required to be very high. Noise is probably the most common problem that arises in many places. Several studies have examined the effect of noise level either as an individual parameter or a combination of one or more environmental parameters. In this research, the aim is to analyze the acoustical satisfaction in faculty work-areas in five academic departments. A total of 63 respondents out of 84 users were included in the analysis. Occupants in private offices are significantly more satisfied with the acoustical quality than occupants in cubicles within the open work-area. the most prevalent problems are: “Faculty talking to students”, “Faculty overhearing private conversations” and “Students talking in surrounding areas”. Over 70% of cubicle occupants think acoustics level interferes with their ability to get their job done and show either very dissatisfaction or dissatisfaction with the noise level in their offices. These responses reveal the importance of the treatments needed to have a better acoustics level within the working zone which lead to more productivity and user satisfaction with the working environment.