This guide is intended for the use of architects, engineers, office managers, and others interested in designing, specifying, or operating open offices.

It is not intended to be applied to other than office environments, for example, open plan schools.

While this guide attempts to clarify the many interacting variables that influence office privacy, it is not intended to supplant the experience and judgment of experts in the field of acoustics. Competent technical advice should be sought for success in the design of open offices, including comparisons of test results carried out according to ASTM standards.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide discusses the acoustical principles and interactions that affect the acoustical environment and acoustical privacy in the open office. In this context, it describes the application and use of the series of ASTM standards that apply to the open office.

1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The SI units in parentheses are provided for information only.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

E1110 Classification for Determination of Articulation Class

E1111 Test Method for Measuring the Interzone Attenuation of Open Office Components

E1130 Test Method for Objective Measurement of Speech Privacy in Open Plan Spaces Using Articulation Index

E1179 Specification for Sound Sources Used for Testing Open Office Components and Systems

E1414 Test Method for Airborne Sound Attenuation Between Rooms Sharing a Common Ceiling Plenum

E1573 Test Method for Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels

Keywords

acoustics; open office; open-plan;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 91.120.20 (Acoustics in buildings. Sound insulation)

Citing ASTM Standards

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