Large rooms, ballrooms and event spaces frequently have poor acoustics that can make it difficult for people to carry on a conversation. Many people in an otherwise empty or open space can create a lot of noise that can carry around the room. People start raising their voices to be heard, which in turn exacerbates the problem.
At the same time, these spaces often need to have a certain aesthetic that lends itself to the occasion. So, simply adding acoustic materials to the room without some forethought and planning won’t necessarily work. You need the acoustic material to help absorb sound and improve the acoustics of the room — but it shouldn’t clash with the rest of the interior.
Using acoustic ceiling and wall systems designed to be as beautiful as they are functional can help you achieve your sound control goals while enhancing your interior at the same time.
“Oregon Convention Center” Portland, OR, LMN Architects – SEA, West Partitions Inc. – OR, Sally Painter Photography, Featuring: Atmosphera® Analog 3D and SoftGrid® Round by Arktura
This convention center and ballroom took its inspiration for the interior from the outdoors. This includes the soft, mossy carpeting and the wallpaper that calls to mind the texture and colors of trees in the forest. To help complete the look while also providing better acoustics, a custom ceiling was created that calls to mind the topography of the local mountains.
The Atmosphera® Analog 3D ceiling from Arktura echoes the wood texture of the wall cladding of the room while enhancing the acoustics of the space. As a result, Artkura’s Soft Sound® Wood Texture provides the perfect balance to guests who experience the space.
“Town Hall” Houston, TX, Kirksey Architecture, Featuring: A Custom Ceiling by Arktura Solutions Studio®
Corporate event centers need to be large enough to hold an entire company at once, while simultaneously remaining transformative for a multi-purpose function space. As a result, they require dynamic and energetic ceiling scapes that help communicate the emotion of the brand. Listening to a speaker in a space like this can be difficult if the acoustics of the room are poor, however.
A dynamic ceiling created with Arktura’s Soft Sound® material will help you control the sound while making a statement at the same time.
“Town Hall” Houston, TX, Kirksey Architecture, Featuring: A Custom Ceiling by Arktura Solutions Studio®
Each installation can be customized in terms of color and attenuation needs depending on which system or fully custom solution you choose. Whether you need to absorb it or reflect it, this system can help you make sure that no matter the function of the space, the experience will be enjoyed by all. In the above example at Houston’s Town Hall, a custom acoustic ceiling system was designed by our Solutions Studio® team, consisting of project managers, designers, and engineers, to specifically address the acoustic complications of a multi-use space. The highlight of this installation is the integrated LED lighting, allowing further customization for different moods and settings.
“Close Up” Featuring: VaporSoft® Cluster by Arktura
In open spaces with high ceilings, acoustic control can be a daunting process. It often makes the most sense to focus your efforts exclusively on the ceiling for these types of rooms, but there are better ways to provide optimal results. Thanks to this VaporSoft® Cluster Soft Sound® acoustic material applied to a torsion spring panel, you can install acoustic backers on both ceilings and walls, providing maximum coverage.
VaporSoft®’s Soft Sound® material surfacing can create a range of different looks across rooms, while also helping reduce unwanted noise and reverberation. Placing it in areas where acoustic control is more important will help boost the overall acoustics of the space and create a more comfortable environment for guests.
“Oregon Convention Center” Portland, OR, LMN Architects – SEA, Sally Painter Photography, Featuring: Custom SoftGrid® Round by Arktura
Many people may associate acoustic ceilings with the old drop ceiling panels that were commonly used in office buildings. Acoustic ceilings don’t need to be utilitarian in order to be functional, however. They can also be dynamic, elegant and a work of art on their own.
“Oregon Convention Center” Portland, OR, LMN Architects – SEA, Sally Painter Photography, Featuring: Custom SoftGrid® Round by Arktura
This SoftGrid® Round ceiling system from Arktura layers baffled Soft Sound wood texture sections together in a pattern that creates floating circles. The result is comforting acoustic control that doesn’t bring down the look or aesthetics of the room. Instead, it offers an elegant and artistic element to the space that enhances the rest of the room’s appearance.
“Lecture Hall” Featuring: Vapor® Frequency by Arktura, with InLine Lighting and Acoustic Soft Sound® backers
Not every space that is used for events needs an elegant and soft touch for its acoustics. Some spaces will do better with a more modern approach, particularly those that need to incorporate good lighting into their space as well.
“Lecture Hall” Featuring: Vapor® Frequency by Arktura, with InLine Lighting and Acoustic Soft Sound® backers
The Vapor® Trail and Vapor® Frequency panels from Arktura have a modern, almost digital appearance that is perfect for high-tech settings. These aluminum panels can create a contemporary vibe while also helping improve the acoustics of the space thanks to their available acoustic Soft Sound® backers. The Vapor® system is a versatile installation, meaning InLine lighting can also be incorporated right into the panels, enhancing their function and their appearance at the same time.
“Alohilani Ballroom” Honolulu, HI, Pacific Asian Design Group – HI, Hawkins Biggins Photography, Featuring: A Custom Ceiling by Arktura Solutions Studio®
Reception rooms, ballrooms and other spaces where elegant and formal events frequently take place can definitely benefit from added acoustic control. Acoustics in these spaces can vary depending on how many people and how much furniture is in place.
In addition to the need for acoustics is the need for the space to match the events being held there. That’s why using an elegant solution for acoustic control can be so important.
“Alohilani Ballroom” Honolulu, HI, Pacific Asian Design Group – HI, Hawkins Biggins Photography, Featuring: A Custom Ceiling by Arktura Solutions Studio®
This ballroom uses custom acoustic modules from our Solutions Studio® that are crafted in soft, undulating waves across the ceiling. The warm wood color of the panels helps create a welcoming atmosphere, while their shape allows much needed light to emerge from behind. These panels are designed from PET Soft Sound that enhances not only the acoustics of the room while the wood-look style enhances the comfort and atmosphere, as well.
“Calgary Telus Convention Centre” Calgary, Canada, Sarah Ward Interiors Inc., Featuring; Atmosphera® Analog 3D by Arktura
Long corridors and other spaces for temporary gatherings have a different feel to them than other types of event spaces. They need just as much help with acoustics, but the energy of the space is different. This hallway uses Atmosphera® Analog 3D ceiling baffles from Akrtura in long, gently undulating baffles made from Arktura’s acoustic Soft Sound® material. The animated RGB lights between the baffles create a bold and energetic feel to the space that enhances its purpose.
Improving the acoustics of a room doesn’t mean that you need to sacrifice its appearance. By using innovative solutions like those from Arktura, you can easily transform the acoustics, while complementing the rest of the room. Make sure that your event spaces have the right acoustics and elevate the function and the style of the room at the same time.
Contact the large-scale design experts at Arktura today to get started on enhancing your event space.
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