This Investment and Trading Firm is moving into the top floor of an existing office building. The approximately 18,5000 sf interior fit out includes open plan and private offices, break area, reception, conference rooms ranging from 5 to 20 persons, collaborative areas and phone rooms. Open workstations are generally located around the perimeter on the east end while private offices are generally located on the west end of the 23rd floor.
Being on the top floor of the building offers expansive views but not without acoustical challenges. The open plan areas are in a tall, barrel vault volume. The concave geometry likely will exaggerate the sound levels in the area causing acoustical hot and cold spots. There are offices and conference rooms located directly below building mechanical equipment that need additional consideration. A basic survey of the existing noise levels will inform the vertical isolation strategy. The goal is to create a comfortable work environment that is free from stress inducing rumble and vibration.
A collaborative environment in open work areas can be created by strategically positioned sound absorptive finishes and sound masking system (which was employed in the Chicago office) to achieve modest level of speech privacy. Higher degrees of privacy and reduced exterior noise intrusion are typically desired for the private offices and meeting rooms. We will work closely with Abel Design Group to develop appropriate levels of sound isolation tailored to the needs of the client. Solutions will likely be a mix of traditional framed walls and demountable systems that optimize sound isolation, aesthetics, cost and accelerated construction.
Kirkegaard’s process is tailored to fit the needs of the project. An acoustical design narrative will be issued following the initial project site assessment. The document will establish design criteria for room acoustics, sound isolation and noise control. Once we have reached agreement on the criteria, the team can advance through the remainder of DD refining and establishing basis of design. We will be proactive during the Construction Documents phase - pushing key coordination issues and expediting our responses to RFIs and completing site visit reports during the Construction Administration phase.
