How plants and acoustic products enhance wellbeing and create a quieter workplace
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s a perfect time to revisit some of Avenue’s most popular articles, not just from this year but from the last few years.
One article that consistently attracts attention is “Can plants help to reduce noise?” You can view the original article here or read our updated version below!
What role can plants play in noise reduction?
Noise pollution has become a significant concern in various environments, including offices, hospitals, childcare facilities, and classrooms.
The negative effects of excessive noise on productivity, wellbeing, and learning outcomes are well documented.
Fortunately, combining natural elements like plants with innovative products from Avenue Interior Systems can create a more peaceful and productive atmosphere. Including plants in your workplace can help to:
1) Provide sound absorption
Plants are nature’s sound absorbers. Their leaves, stems, and soil can effectively absorb sound waves, reducing noise levels in your workplace.
Adding greenery can create a quieter environment in spaces like offices and classrooms, where focus and concentration are paramount.
2) Create sound diffusion
Plants can scatter sound waves, which reduces the intensity of noise. The irregular surfaces of leaves and branches diffuse sound, preventing it from echoing and amplifying in indoor spaces.
This is particularly beneficial in high-traffic areas, such as hospital hallways or play areas in childcare facilities.
3) Form natural barriers
Tall plants, including shrubs and trees, can act as natural sound barriers, blocking external noise from sources like traffic or construction.
In hospitals, where a calm environment is integral for patient recovery, or in childcare facilities, where children need a conducive learning environment, plants can create a buffer against disruptive sounds.
4) Create microclimates
Plants can alter an area’s microclimate, making it quieter and more serene. In urban settings, greenery can mitigate the harsh sounds of city life, providing a peaceful retreat for office workers and patients alike.
5) Provide psychological benefits
Beyond their physical properties, plants have psychological benefits too. Greenery can foster a sense of calm, reducing the perception of noise. This is particularly important in high-stress environments like hospitals and busy offices.
A powerful combination: using Avenue Interior Systems products with plants
While plants play an important role in noise reduction, their effectiveness can be significantly enhanced when they’re combined with specialised products from Avenue Interior Systems. Here’s why this combination is essential:
Enhanced sound absorption
Avenue Interior Systems offers a range of acoustic products designed to absorb sound more effectively than plants alone. Acoustic panels, acoustic ceiling tiles, and freestanding acoustic dividers can complement plants’ sound-absorbing properties, creating a more comprehensive noise reduction strategy.
Targeted solutions for specific environments
Different environments have different noise challenges. For instance, hospitals require products that minimise noise for patient comfort, while classrooms need solutions that enhance learning by reducing distractions. Avenue Interior Systems provides tailored products that address these needs, ensuring optimal acoustic performance in each setting.
Aesthetic appeal
Combining Avenue Interior Systems’ products with plants creates more visually appealing environments. Decorative acoustic panels can enhance a space’s aesthetic while contributing to noise reduction. This is particularly important in offices and childcare facilities, where a pleasant atmosphere can improve mood and productivity.
Long-term durability
Avenue Interior Systems’ products are designed for long-lasting performance, ensuring that their noise reduction benefits are maintained over time. While plants require care and maintenance, acoustic products can provide a consistent solution, making it easier to manage noise levels effectively.
Increased flexibility
With Avenue’s versatile solutions, spaces can be easily reconfigured to meet changing needs. This is especially beneficial in dynamic environments like classrooms and offices, where layouts frequently change. Integrating plants within these flexible designs can further enhance the acoustic environment.
Talk to Avenue for expert advice on sound absorption strategies
Incorporating plants into your indoor spaces is a valuable strategy for reducing noise. But to achieve significant results, it’s essential to combine them with the innovative products offered by Avenue Interior Systems.
By harnessing plants’ sound-absorbing and diffusing qualities alongside advanced acoustic solutions, offices, hospitals, childcare facilities, and classrooms can create serene, productive, and aesthetically pleasing environments. This dual approach addresses noise pollution effectively, promotes wellbeing, and enhances the overall experience in these vital spaces.
For more on how Avenue can improve the acoustic environment in your space, contact us at 1300 827 177.
