YAŞAR UNIVERSITY

GRADUATE SCHOOL OF NATURAL AND APPLIED SCIENCES

MASTER THESIS

A GUIDELINE PROPOSAL FOR ACOUSTIC ISSUES

IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ASSESMENT TOOLS:

OFFICE CASE

DILARA KARA

THESIS ADVISOR: ASST. PROF. ILKER KAHRAMAN

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

PRESENTATION DATE: 20.11.2017

BORNOVA / İZMİR
NOVEMBER 2017
We certify that, as the jury, we have read this thesis and that in our opinion it is fully
adequate, in scope and in quality, as a thesis for the degree of Master of Science

Jury Members: Signature:

Asst.Prof. Dr. İlker KAHRAMAN

Yasar University
J a� �
---.-. . . . . . . .=/
Asst.Prof. Dr. Ebru ALAKAVUK
�.
Yasar University

Prof. Dr. Feridun OZIS

Dokuz Eylül University

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Prof. Dr. Cüneyt GÜZELİŞ
Director of the Graduate School

i
 ABSTRACT

A GUIDELINE PROPOSAL FOR ACOUSTIC ISSUES

IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ASSESMENT TOOLS:
OFFICE CASE
KARA, Dilara
Msc/PHD, Interior Architecture
ASST. PROF. ILKER KAHRAMAN
November 2017

Because of the rapid depletion of world resources, sustainability fact that is entered
into our life and open-plan offices that are leaded the way with the increase of the
working population are most widely used architectural nation in todays. But
unfortunately, when designin the open plan offices with concern of sustainability,
where is spend most of life, we are not thinking about hearing that is the most
important, unobstructed and irreversible part of the human sense. Certification
systems are created to support quality of life and energy conservation, but it has been
observed that the acoustic requirements are not sufficiently included in the
certification systems.

In this thesis, studies have been conducted on the improvement of acoustic issues
that appears to be missing in green building certification systems. A check list is
prepared in the result of studies that include improvement suggestions and this
checklist is compared with the green building certification systems.

The proposal of thesis, that is the strengthening of the acoustic issues in certifications
systems.

Key Words: Acoustic Evalution on Sertificate Systems, Sustainable Office

Buildings, Room Acoustic in Open Plan Offices

ii
 ÖZ

OFİS BİNALARINDA SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR BİNA DEĞERLENDİRME

SERTİFİKALARI İÇİN AKUSTİK AMAÇLI KILAVUZ ÖNERİSİ

KARA, Dilara
Yüksek Lisans, İç Mimarlık
Danışman: Yrd.Doç.Dr. İlker KAHRAMAN
Kasım 2017

Dünya kaynaklarının hızla tükenmesi sonucu hayatımıza giren sürdürülebilirlik

olgusu ve çalışma nufusunun artışı ile ön plana çıkan açık planlı ofisler günümüzde
en yaygın kullanılan mimari kavramlardandır. Fakat ne yazık ki sürdürülebilir olması
kaygısıyla hayatımızın büyük bir kısmını geçirdiğimiz açık ofis alanlarımız
tasarlanırken, insan duyusunun en önemli, engellenemez ve değiştirilemez parçası
olan işitme olgusuna yeterli önem verilmemektedir. Yaşam kalitesini ve enerji
korunumunu desteklemek adına oluşturulan sertifikasyon sistemleri içerisinde de
akustik gerekliliğe yeteri kadar yer verilmediği görülmüştür

Bu tezde yeşil sertifika sistemlerinde eksik olduğu anlaşılan akustik konuların

iyileştirilmesine yönelik çalışmalar yapılmıştır. Yapılan çalışmalar ışığında
iyileştirme önerilerinin bulunduğu check list hazırlanmış ve hazırlanan bu check list
hali hazırda kullanılmakta olan yeşil bina sertifika sistemleriyle karşılaştırılmıştır

Tezin önerisi yeşil bina sertifika sistemlerinde eksik görülen akustik konuların
güçlendirilmesidir.

Anahtar Kelimeler: Sürdürülebilirlik sertifikalarında akustik, sürdürülebilir ofis

binaları, açık planlı ofislerde akustik

iii
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I present enless thansk to Asst.Prof. Dr. İlker KAHRAMAN who is my advisor for he
doesn't refrain to support and interest when planning, researching and execution of
this thesis, Prof. Dr. Feridun OZIS for shape my study in the light of scientific facts
with his guidance informantions and Erdal KARA who is owner of Karakutu
Electroacoustic company for I have benefit from his vast experiences and
knowledge.

Dilara KARA
İzmir, 2017

iv
 TEXT OF OATH

I declare and honestly confirm that my study, titled “PROPOSAL FOR ACOUSTIC
ISSUES IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING ASSESMENT TOOLS: OFFICE CASE”
and presented as a Master’s Thesis, has been written without applying to any
assistance inconsistent with scientific ethics and traditions. I declare, to the best of
my knowledge and belief, that all content and ideas drawn directly or indirectly from
external sources are indicated in the text and listed in the list of references.

Dilara KARA
Signature
………………………………..

December 14, 2017

v
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT ...................................................................................................................... ii

ÖZ .............................................................................................................................. iii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ..............................................................................................iv

TEXT OF OATH ............................................................................................................... v

TABLE OF CONTENTS ..................................................................................................vi

LIST OF FIGURES ..........................................................................................................ix

LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... xiii

SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................. xv

CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION........................................................................ 1

1.1 Litarature Review ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Review Of Acoustic Simulatıon Programs.................................................................. 6
1.2.1 Measurement Equipments ............................................................................... 6

1.2.2 SoundPlan Industrial Acoustic Simulation Program ......................................... 7

1.2.3 SONarchitect Acoustic Simulation Program .................................................... 7

1.2.4 INSUL Acoustic Calculation Program ............................................................. 8

1.2.5 AFMG Soundflow Acoustic Calculation Program ........................................... 9

1.2.6 Odeon Software Acoustic Simulation Program ................................................ 9

1.3 Subject and Aim ...................................................................................................... 12

1.4 Method .................................................................................................................... 13

. CHAPTER TWO ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC FOR OFFICES ................... 14

2.1 Sound and Acoustic ................................................................................................. 14
2.2 Behavior Of Sound .................................................................................................. 15
2.2.1 Sound Frequency .......................................................................................... 15

2.2.2 Octave Bands ................................................................................................ 16

2.2.3 Direct Sound ................................................................................................. 17

2.2.4 Reflection ..................................................................................................... 17

2.2.5 Absorption .................................................................................................... 17

2.3 Acoustic Parameters for Office Spaces ..................................................................... 19

2.3.1 Reveberation Time (RT) ............................................................................... 19
vi
 2.3.2 Early Decay Time (EDT), T20, T30 .............................................................. 20

2.3.3 Defination (D50) ........................................................................................... 21

2.3.4 Speech Transmission Index (STI) .................................................................. 22

2.3.5 Speech Privacy: Signal to Noise Ratio (Ut) .................................................... 23

2.3.6 Rate of Spatial Decay (DL2) .......................................................................... 25

2.3.7 Noise Criteria (NC) ....................................................................................... 26

2.3.8 A Weighted Sound Pressure Level (Leq) ....................................................... 28

2.3.9 Weighted Standardised Level Difference (DnTw) ............................................ 28

2.3.10 Weighted Sound Reduction Index (RW) ..................................................... 29

2.3.11 Weighted Normalized Impact Sound Pressure Level (LNW)........................ 29

CHAPTER THREE ACOUSTICAL COMFORT CONDITIONS FOR OFFICES IN

GREEN BUILDINGS ........................................................................................................ 30
3.1 Acoustical Comfort Conditions For Offices In Sustainable Certification Systems ..... 31
3.1.1 Leed’s Acoustic Criterias For Office Spaces .................................................. 31

3.1.3 Sbtool‘s Acoustic Criterias ............................................................................ 38

3.2 Sustainable Offices and Acoustic ............................................................................. 40

3.2.1 Design Requirements And Solution Offers Affecting Acoustic In Sustainable

Offices ..................................................................................................................... 40

3.2.2 Prerequisites ve Guideline For Acoustic Performans Criterion ....................... 55

CHAPTER FOUR THE CASE OF STUDY: ACOUSTIC DESIGN OF OPEN

PLANNED OFFICES OF KONAK MUNICIPALITY SERVICE BUILDING ................... 61
4.1 Service Building Environmental Noise Control Analysis .......................................... 62
4.1.1 Location of Project and Noise Measurement .................................................. 62

4.1.2 Noise Simulation........................................................................................... 66

4.1.3 Results of Simulation .................................................................................... 71

4.2 Building Noise Control ............................................................................................ 72

4.2.1 Space Types .................................................................................................. 72

4.2.2 Weighted Standardised Level Difference ....................................................... 75

4.2.3 Types of Wall ............................................................................................... 76

4.2.4 Locations of the Types of Walls on the Project .............................................. 78

vii
 4.2.5 Building Acoustics Similation Results ........................................................... 81

4.3 Room Acoustic ........................................................................................................ 83

4.3.1 Making Simulation Model of Open Plan Offices Layout ................................ 83

4.3.2 Backround Noise Criterion ............................................................................ 89

4.3.3 Determination Of Source -Receiver Points .................................................... 90

4.3.4 Simulation Resuls of Current Project ............................................................. 91

4.3.5 Improvement Proposals And Acoustic Results Using Sustainable Materials. 102

4.3.6 Comparison of Acoustic Parameters ............................................................ 115

CHAPTER FIVE DISCUSSION ......................................................................... 116

CHAPTER SIX CONCLUSION: AN ACOUSTIC COMFORT GUIDELINE FOR

OPEN PLAN OFFICE TYPE........................................................................................... 120

REFERENCES .............................................................................................................. 123

APPENDIX 1 – Enviromental Noise Map ..................................................................... 126

APPENDIX 2 – Sound Insulation Measurement Results Between Spaces ................... 132

viii
 LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. 3D models for use in ODEON [34] ..................................................................... 10

Figure 2. Hearing range for speech voice [3] ..................................................................... 14

Figure 3. Normal Loudness Contours for Pure Tones [7] ................................................... 15

Figure 4. Reveberation time graphic based on volumetric size [7] ...................................... 19

Figure 5. Determination of EDT and T in the Curve Of Decrease [9] ................................ 20

Figure 6. Determination of EDT and T20 and T30 on the curve ......................................... 21

Figure 7. Relationship Between Speech Intelligibility and Speech Privacy ......................... 24

Figure 8. NC criteria curves based on Frequency and Sound Pressure ................................ 26

Figure 9. NC Curves accordint to Room Type [4] .............................................................. 27

Figure 10. Acoustic Problem and Solution Regarding To Building Orientation [20] ........... 41

Figure 11. Building Orientation related acoustical problem and solution example. [19] ...... 44

Figure 12. Noise Sources and Sound Differection. [20]...................................................... 45

Figure 13. The usage of buffer volume between noisy and sensitive volumes. [20] ............ 46

Figure 14. Micro Perforated Absorber Material Application Methods [22] ........................ 50

Figure 15.The aborbency values of the micro perofrated absorber materials [22] ............... 51

Figure 16. Application of Micro Perforated Absorber Material [22] ................................... 51

Figure 17. Transparent Cover Application ......................................................................... 52

Figure 18. Wood Wool Applications Types ....................................................................... 54

Figure 19. Project Location and Measurement Area Sattelite View .................................... 62

Figure 20 Image from Measured Position .......................................................................... 63

Figure 21 Weather Conditions in Measuremets Day........................................................... 64

Figure 22 Lday Garphic of Measurement Results ................................................................ 64

Figure 23 Lday results of the measurement .......................................................................... 65

Figure 24 Levening Garphic of Measurement Results ........................................................... 65

Figure 25 Levening Results Of The Measurement .................................................................. 65

Figure 26 Lnight Garphic of Measurement Results .............................................................. 66

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Figure 27 Lnight results of the measurement ........................................................................ 66

Figure 28 Satellite Image of Noise Analysis Zone ............................................................. 67

Figure 29 Simulation Model Of Noise Analysis ................................................................. 67

Figure 30 Noise Analysis Simulation Model Plan View ..................................................... 68

Figure 31 Figure of noise receivers in front of building...................................................... 69

Figure 32 Demonstration of Grid Noise Map Limits on a Plan ........................................... 69

Figure 33 Facade Noise Receiver Points ............................................................................ 70

Figure 34 Required RW value for facede ............................................................................ 71

Figure 35 2. Basement floor space types. ........................................................................... 73

Figure 36 1. Basement floor space types. ........................................................................... 73

Figure 37 Ground floor space types. .................................................................................. 73

Figure 38 First floor space types. ....................................................................................... 74

Figure 39 Second floor space types. .................................................................................. 74

Figure 40 Third floor space types. ..................................................................................... 74

Figure 41 20 cm Brick Wall Detay and Criterion ............................................................... 76

Figure 42 10 cm Brick Wall Detay and Criterion ............................................................... 76

Figure 43 15 cm Brick Wall Detay Criterion ..................................................................... 77

Figure 44 30 cm Concrete Wall Detay Criterion................................................................. 77

Figure 45 20+10+20 System Detay Criterion ..................................................................... 77

Figure 46 34mm Glass Wall Detay Criterion ..................................................................... 77

Figure 47 20+10+30 SystemWall Detay and Criterions ..................................................... 78

Figure 48 2.Basement Wall Plan ....................................................................................... 79

Figure 49 1. Basement Wall Plan ...................................................................................... 79

Figure 50 Ground Floor Wall Plan .................................................................................... 79

Figure 51 1. Floor Wall Plan ............................................................................................. 80

Figure 52 2. Floor Wall Plan ............................................................................................. 80

Figure 53 3. Floor Wall Plan ............................................................................................. 80

x
Figure 54 Plan of a Sample Open-Office Area ................................................................... 84

Figure 55 Perspective Drawing of Acoustic Simulation Model .......................................... 84

Figure 56 Glass Wall Application Area ............................................................................. 85

Figure 57 Concrete ceiling Application Area ..................................................................... 85

Figure 58 Concrete Colounm and Beam Application Area ................................................. 86

Figure 59 Brick Wall Application Area ............................................................................. 86

Figure 60 MDF Shelves Application Area ......................................................................... 87

Figure 61 Floor Material Application Area ........................................................................ 87

Figure 62 Table Areas ....................................................................................................... 88

Figure 63 Chair Areas ....................................................................................................... 88

Figure 64 Sources Receiver Points .................................................................................... 90

Figure 65 Graphic Of Frequency for T30........................................................................... 92

Figure 66 T30 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................... 92

Figure 67 Graphic of Frequency for T20 ........................................................................... 94

Figure 68 T20 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................... 94

Figure 69 Graphic Of Frequency for EDT ......................................................................... 96

Figure 70 EDT Grid Map @1000Hz.................................................................................. 96

Figure 71 Graphic Of Frequency for D50 .......................................................................... 98

Figure 72 D50 Grid Map @1000Hz .................................................................................. 98

Figure 73 STI Deflection Chart According to Distance ...................................................... 99

Figure 74 STI Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................... 99

Figure 75 Graphic of Frequency for U50 ......................................................................... 100

Figure 76 U50 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................ 100

Figure 77 DL2 Ditribution Graphs According to Receivers ............................................. 101

Figure 78 Bookshelf Application Area ............................................................................ 102

Figure 79 Seperator Application Area.............................................................................. 103

Figure 80 Ceiling Panel Application Area ....................................................................... 103

xi
Figure 81 T30 Frequency Graph ...................................................................................... 105

Figure 82 T30 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................. 105

Figure 83 T20 Frequency Graph ..................................................................................... 107

Figure 84 T20 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................. 107

Figure 85 EDT Frequency Graph..................................................................................... 109

Figure 86 EDT Grid Map @1000Hz................................................................................ 109

Figure 87 D50 Frequency Graph ..................................................................................... 111

Figure 88 D50 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................ 111

Figure 89 STI Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................. 112

Figure 90 STI – Speech Transmission Distortion Graph According to Distance ............... 112

Figure 91 U50 Frequency Graph ..................................................................................... 113

Figure 92 U50 Grid Map @1000Hz ................................................................................ 113

Figure 93 DL2 Adistribution Graohşcs According to Receivers ........................................ 114

Figure 94 Lday Facade Noise Map .................................................................................... 126

Figure 95 Levening Facade Noise Map ................................................................................ 126

Figure 96 Lnight Facade Noise Map................................................................................... 127

Figure 97 Lday Section View of Facade Noise Map .......................................................... 127

Figure 98 LeveningSection View of Facade Noise Map ...................................................... 128

Figure 99 Lnight Section View of Facade Noise Map ........................................................ 128

Figure 100 Lday Gridal Noise Map ................................................................................... 129

Figure 101 Levening Gridal Noise Map ............................................................................... 130

Figure 102 Lnight Gridal Noise Map .................................................................................. 131

xii
 LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Reletionship with STI Parameters –Subjective Scale [4] ...................................... 23

Table 2. Criterion of Signal to Noise Ratio [7] ................................................................... 24

Table 3. Maximum Noise Level......................................................................................... 28

Table 4. Design principles for HVAC – background noises in rooms [25] .......................... 32

Table 5. Maximum composite sound transmission class ratings for adjacent spaces [25] .... 32

Table 6. Reverberation time requirements in Leed [25] ...................................................... 33

Table 7.Backround noise crition inBreeam [26] ................................................................. 35

Table 8. Reverberation time requirements in Breeam [26].................................................. 36

Table 9. STI requirements in Breeam [26] ......................................................................... 36

Table 10. DnTw requirements in Breeam [26] ................................................................... 37

Table 11. Acoustic Performance Levels in SBTool [28] .................................................... 39

Table 12. Sound insulation values in order to provide noise control [14] ............................ 43

Table 13. The required Dntw values between volumes [20] ............................................... 46

Table 14. Background Noise Curve Values [4] .................................................................. 49

Table 15. Acoustic requirements for working spaces - Design criteria ................................ 59

Table 16. Sound Pressure Levels on Each Floor ................................................................. 70

Table 17. Weighted Standardised Level Difference of Rooms ............................................ 75

Table 18. Weighted Standardised Level Difference of Rooms and Project Result Values ... 81

Table 19. Sound Absorption Cofficient of All Surfaces ...................................................... 89

Table 20. NC 35– Noise Criterion Curve ........................................................................... 90

Table 21. Open Office Acoustic Design Criterion .............................................................. 91

Table 22. Open Plan Office T30 Results ............................................................................ 92

Table 23. Open Plan Office T20 Results ............................................................................ 94

Table 24. Open Plan Office EDT Results ........................................................................... 96

Table 25. Open Office D50 Results ................................................................................... 98

Table 26. Open Office U Results ..................................................................................... 100

xiii
Table 27. Open Office DL2 Results.................................................................................. 101

Table 28. Sound Absorption Index of All Surfaces .......................................................... 104

Table 29. Open Office T30 Results .................................................................................. 105

Table 30. Open Plan Office T20 Results .......................................................................... 107

Table 31. Open Plan Office EDT Results ......................................................................... 109

Table 32. Open Plan Office D50 Results.......................................................................... 111

Table 33. Open Plan Office U Results ............................................................................. 113

Table 34. Open Office DL2 Results.................................................................................. 114

Table 35. Open Plan Office Vomparative Acoustic Simulation Results ............................ 115

Table 36. Comparative Results of Open Office Requirements .......................................... 116

xiv
 SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ABBREVIATIONS:

LEED Structure of Scientific Revolution

BREEAM Normal Science

SBTOOL Extra Ordinary Science

SYMBOLS:

dB Decibel.

NC Noise Criterion.

RT Reveberation Time.

EDT Early Decay Time.

D50 Clarity of Speech.

STI Speech Transmission Index.

Ut Useful Detrimental.

DL2 Rate Of Spatial Decay.

Leq Equivalent Sound Level.

Lday Day equivalent level.

Lden Day-evening-night equivalent level.

Ldn Day-night equivalent level.

DnTwWeighted Standardised Level Difference.

Rw Weighted Sound Reduction Index.

Lnw Weighted Normalized Impact Sound Pressure Level.

xv
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Litarature Review

National researches / theses

Written by Okten G (2009) in Istanbul Technical Universty “The Effects of Room

Shape and Surface Diffusion on Acoustical Parameters’’, master thesis based on
multipurposed halls. But, the researcher has made analyses of objective and
subjective parameters of acoustical problem in relation with architectural design. The
thesis stands on acoustical parameters as revebaration, clarity, loudness, liveness.
Then the author gives us the exactly decisions made on the use of hall its geometry
and typology, surface materials which are used. The study has been examined in
terms of better interpretation of objective acoustic design parameters.

Written by Yüce M.Y. (2009) in Istanbul Technical Universty, the master thesis “An
Acoustıcal Evaluatıon Model For Open Plan Offıces”that give detailed information
about acoustic and architectural requirements of open plan offices. The study based
on privacy and intelligibility and first ıt examines parameters of this topic. Then, a
scale model (1/10) are prepared of open-plan office and measurements were made in
anechoic laboratory conditions. The height of the barrier between the two employees
and the absorptiveness of the ceiling were changed in the meausurements that made
on the workstation model. Thus, Barrier height and ceiling absorbtion effect on
intelligibility has been measured. Sound transmission loss performances of barrier
and ceiling materials combination (that are results of the measurements), was used in
calculation of the intelligibility index. After the calculation of the intelligibility index
is performed for all combinations, the privacy ranges are determined for employees.

1
Written by Yazıcı G. (2016) in Istanbul Technical Universty, the master thesis
“Sustainability and Acoustic: One Hotel Example” examine the problems that caused
by the sustainable design concept on the examples. Acoustic conditions and scores
of LEED, BREEAM and DGNB certification systems was explained in the next
stage. Acoustical calculations are carried out witht the BREEAM direction on a hotel
sample that will be received BREEAM Certificate and efficiency of certification
systems is examined on this sample. In terms of acoustical analysis, especially the
research based on building noise control, also invastigated the revebaration time for
the room acoustic. The result of the study, BREEAM Certification system is found
inadequate in terms of acoustics.

The Article written by Acar B. ve Akdağ Y. N. (2008) in Yıldız Technical Universty

and published in YTU Architecture. Faculty Journel, that named “Acoutic problems
and Control Measures in open plan offices: Evaluations on an Example” is
examined, a open plan offices that owned a lighting company in İstanbul Kartal.
Noise level measurements is made to assess the current situation of open-plan office.
On simulation model of the area has been examined the terms of "different partition
element heights" and "different surface absorbers". Thus, relationship between the
partition element and acoustic comfort is revealed in open offices.

International articles / congresses

Presented by Rindel J H. (2012) in congress of Acoustic 2012 Hong Kong

“Prediction of Acoustical Parameters for open plan offices according to ISO-3382-3”
that is defined acoustic criteria for open plan offices and is focused on a set of new
parameters for subjective evaluation. These new parameters are speech privacy and
distraction distance that are derived from Speech Transmission index. The purpose of
the simulation is how to apply these new parameters on the acoustic simulation
model. As a result, the parameters change according to amount of sound absorption,
the applications of screens between the work stations, and level of backround noise.

2
Prepared by Pop and Rindel (2005) in Brezilya, the research that is “Inter-noise”
kongresinde sunulan “Perceived Speech Privacy in Computer Simulated Open-plan
Offices” is examined relationship between subjective acoustic parameters and speech
privacy. A real office model was developed by using ODEON software. As a result of
the study, the STI value must be 0.45 for supply conditions of speech privacy in
office spaces. If it is required to be partially better, STI should be under 0.30 value.
In this context, if DL2 parameter higher than 4db, it is assumed that speech privacy
has been provided.

Prepared by Nilsson and Hellström (2009) in Scotland congrees of “Euronoise” the

article that name is “Room Acoustic design in open-plan offices”. According to the
study, the acoustic conditions were examined in five different open planed offices. In
this context, reverberation time (T20), early decay time(EDT), clarity (C50), speech
transmission index (STI), speech intellebility index (SII), privacy indeks (PI) ve Rate
Of Spatial Decay (DL2) parameters are used for the research. As a result of the
review, two offices are improved of both them and then the study has been verified
with surveys.

Presendent by Che D. N, Jalil N, Keumala N. ve Razak A. (2014) in congress of

“Internoise” , the research that name is “Acoustic investigation of open-plan offices
in green building : simulation experiment” that is examined two open plan office area
in a green office building in Malaysia. The author has made field measurements
primarily in the offices examined. Later, different settlements and surface quantities
have been modeled and transferred to the Odeon program and the result of RT, STI
parameters were examined and compared. As a result, detail of model and amount of
surface are investigated the terms of effect on acoustical parameters.

Represented by Boglev D. (2008) in Acoustic 2008, the research “Acoustic Design

Practices For Sustainable Buildings” emphasized on HVAC systems in sustainable
buildings and contribution of these systems to the acoustics. ultimately, information
about the masking system and settlement angles is given as a solution
recommendation.

3
The "Acoustical Evaluation of Six Green Buildings" article published by Hodgson
M. in the "Journal of Green Buildings", six different green office building has been
observed that have got Leed certificate four of them. In the survey, first of all, the
users of the office buildings were surveyed and it was found that the users in the
green buildings were more uncomfortable in terms of gore acoustics. On the other
hand, the buildings were tested in terms of background noise level, reveberation
time, speechtransmission, speech intelligibility and sound insulation, and green
buildings could not reach the required parameter values.

Reviewed Other Sources

Tezin şekillenmesinde ve konuların kavranmasında rol alan diğer tüm araştırma,

makale ve kitaplar şu şelilde sıralanabilinir.

Bayazıt T. N., (1999). “A Geometric Design Method For Acoustic Evaluation Ofv
Regtengular Cross-Sectioned Concert Halls,”

Cowan, J. (2000). Architectural Acoustics Design Guide,

Everest, F.A., Pohlamann, K.C. (2009). Master Handbook of Acoustics,

Ermann M. (2015). Architectural Acoustics Illustrated,

Jianxin P., Chengxun B.(2010) “Prediction of Chinese speech intelligibility using

useful to detrimental sound ratios based on auralization”

Karaman Ö.Y., &Üçkaya N.B. (2015). “Acoustic Comfort in Lectures Hall; The
Dokuz Eylül University Faculty of Architecture”;

Kurra, S. (2009). “Çevre Gürültüsü Ve Yönetimi”.

Long, M. (2006). “Architectural Acoustics.”

Ozkartal N. E., (2011). “Analyse Of Acoustical Comfort Parameters Concert Halls

with A Case Study”,

Vural A., (2009). “Acoustical evaluation of four concert halls in İstanbul”

Yılmaz Demirkale, S. (2007). “Çevre Ve Yapı Akustiği”

4
Result of literature review, another study has been found about sustainable open
office building that is exemined in detailed from enviromental noise control till room
acoustic parameters and then result of examination comparing with sustainable
certificate systems. Especially, DL2 and U50 are current acoustical parameters which
are important and necessary for open office areas are included to this research and it
shows that; this is the biggest difference for preparing the steps of environmental
noise analysis and noise control of the entire building up to this point in time.

5
1.2 Review Of Acoustic Simulatıon Programs

Current measurement equipments and acoustic simulation programs were used to

obtain the results of the necessary acoustic parameters during the examination of
case of study.
In the first step, the noise level of the area,where the building will position, was
determined by industrial noise measuring equipments. Then the building and its
enviroment have been modeled and enviromental noise levels that obtained at
different times during the day have been processed into the SoundPLAN software.

In the second step the building is modeled in the SONARchitect program for
providing noise control within the buildingThe INSULL program was used to find
the sound reduction coefficients of the building's construction elements. and the
values that obtained from INSUL, were processed into the SONARchitect program.

ın the last step, the open plan office that is purified from enviromental noise and
building noise sources have been transffered to Odeon Software that is room acoustic
similation program. Technical literature, odeon library and SoundFlow program have
been used to obtain the sound absorption coefficients of the surfaces in the open plan
office. Thus, the acoustic parameters have been acquired. Because of these reasons,
calculation methods and properties of acoustic simulation softwares and
measurement equipments that are used during the research will be examined in this
section..

1.2.1 Measurement Equipments

• NTI Audio XL_2 Hand Analyzer (IEC 61672-1 Electroacoustics )

(SNo.A2A-05241—E0,FW3.03)
• NTI Audio MA220 Type 1 Measurement Microphone (User calibrated 2016-
08-23 07:00)
• Norsonic type 1251 Sound Calibrator
• Mic Sensitivty: 22.9mV/Pa
• Range : 30 – 130dB ‘dir

6
1.2.2 SoundPlan Industrial Acoustic Simulation Program

When the first standards were introduced for acoustic calculations, computers were
not available for daily noise calculations. For this reason, the equations are
simplified. Over time, researchers measured noises and developed different
interpretations of cause and effect.. Thus, the equations have become more
complicated to demonstrate the complex nature of the sound propagation.
The fact that calculations are so complex and time-consuming, have been increased
the importance of computer use.. Calculations that made with tables and formulas are
rough estimates compared to reality and simulation programs. For this reason,
SoundPLAN program have been used to calculate the environmental noise analysis.

SoundPLAN, which has the most users in the world in noise simulation software,
was released to the market in 1986. The complete integration of indoor factory noise,
transmission through walls and the noise propagation into the environment make this
software the ideal tool for engineers working in the fields of noise planning, noise in
the workplace, noise mapping and as part of general environmental assessment
studies. [30]
SoundPLAN follows an approach based on noise standards. The software may run in
accordance with the regulations that is location of the building to be built. More than
50 regulations have been implemented by SoundPLAN for road noise, train noise,
building sound, general industrial noise and aircraft noise. [30]
Because of it has got comprehensive environmental noise analysis and best
recognized environmental noise simulation program,Soundplan have been used in
environmental noise analysis of the research. [30]

1.2.3 SONarchitect Acoustic Simulation Program

SONarchitect that make calculation according to ISO is the most powerful building
noise control software. The SONarchitect gives information about airborn sound
insulation values according to ISO 12354-1, the impact sound levels according to
ISO12354-2, the front sound insulation values according to ISO12354-3, the noise
emission levels according to ISO12354-4 and reverberation times according to
ISO12354-6. It makes automatic and quick evaluations based on the relevant sound
insulation requirements, while making possible to analyze the whole project..

7
Sound transmission losses and noise isolation are calculated between all volumes or
floors in the building . Thanks to the auralization function, it is possible to listen to
the loss of sound transitions between all the volumes in the structure. [31]
Drawings that is dxf format are transferred into the program. Thus, architectural
design is quickly processed in SONarchitect.
The appropriate structure material can be found in the library of program as well as if
necessary, the material is prepared in and INSUL software and have been transferred
to SONARchitect. Sound insulation values of walls, ceiling-floors, windows etc.
other details that are designed specially, can be processed into the project.. This gives
the flexibility to calculate the acoustic comfort of the design with local and original
solutions. On the other hand, the SONarchitect provides great convenience about
design and reporting for ECO material selection of LEED and BREEAM
certifications or green buildings. [31]
Also, it gives great advantage that files of sonarchitect export to ODEON which is
the best room acoustic simulation program. The building sound insulation can be
analyzed with SONARchitect ISO, the 3D model can be transferred to Odeon and the
acoustic environment can easily be designed for each room. For all these reasons, the
SONarchitect program has been preferred in order to provide building noise control.

1.2.4 INSUL Acoustic Calculation Program

INSUL is calculation program for foresee the sound insulation of walls, floors, roofs,
ceilings and windows. The programme make estimates of the Transmission Loss
(TL) or Impact Sound (Ln) in 1/3 octave bands and Weighted Sound Reduction
Index (STC or Rw) or Impact Rating (IIC/LnTw) for use in noise transfer
calculations. [32]
Desired separation elements are created with layer such as gypsum board, concrete,
glass, sound insulation materials that is founded in the program library and the data
that prefered format , are transferred to the acoustic simulation programs or reports.
Thus, the sound reduction values of the building elements are calculated by INSUL.
INSUL does not replace any measurement but when compared to the actual results, it
is seen that the values obtained from the INSUL software give reliable results up to
the difference of ±3 dB. [32] For this reason, INSUL software has been used when
the sound reduction coefficients of the building components were calculated, for the
case of study section of thesis..

8
1.2.5 AFMG Soundflow Acoustic Calculation Program

AFMG SoundFlow is a simulation software for calculating the absorption, reflection,

and transmission of sound by multi-layer structures like INSUL. The difference
between the two programs, the INSUL calculate sound reduction index of separator
construction elements but SoundFlow calculate sound absorption coefficient of
covering materials. Ceiling and wall materials are modelled at SOUNDFLOW by
specifying the layer and thickness, and the results are obtained in the desired octave
band and graphic. [33]
“The calculation engine of AFMG SoundFlow is an accurate implementation based
on the theory of sound absorbers developed by Mechel, Bies and others. Various
computational models are available including the calculation according to the ISO
12354 standard.” [33]
When calculating the sound absorbtion coeifficient of surface materials, the
advantage of SoundFlow according to formulas is more complex layers can be used.
The software's database allows rapid modeling of multiple layers and calculation of
the absorbation value.. The software gives absorption graph based on frequency. [33]
For this reason, SoundFlow software has been used to calculate surface absorption
values in room acoustic simulation.

1.2.6 Odeon Software Acoustic Simulation Program

Odeon has been created in 1984 by a team from the Danish technical university and a
group of consulting companies to achieve reliable forecasting software for room
acoustics. The first versions of the Odeon has been aimed solving acoustic problems
in concert and opera halls. So, the software has been taken its names from old Greek
odeon. The odeon, which has been invested to be easy to use and dependable at
development of years, nowadays is used for a wide range of applications. [34]
Calculation Algorithms
ODEON hesaplama sırasında hibrit yansıma yöntemini kullanır. “Hybrid reflection
method: A combination between the image source method, raytracing and ray
radiosity. Early reflections are defined by image sources and ray-radiosity. Late
reflections are defined by a special ray-tracing/radiosity method. The transition
order decides at which reflection order the reflections goes from early to late
reflection method.” [34]

9
Reflection has been defined that depending on the sound scatter value and sound
bounce from the limited surface size (diffraction). [34]
Accordingly, properties of room surface are determined in the simulation program.
Surface features:
-Absorbtion conficient :the sound absorbtion is defined as 0 to 1 in 1octave band
(63-8000hz)
-Scattering coefficient: The value defined between 0 and 1, which is related to the
shape, smoothness and texture of the surface .
-Transparency: defines between 0-1 that the surface is permeable or 100% absorbent.
-Sound reduction index For simulating sound transmission a user defined sound
reduction index R, in 1/3 octave-bands (50-10.000 Hz) can be specified. Can be
imported directly from the Insul software or Excel. [34]
Below several ways to handle 3D models for use in ODEON are illustrated:

Figure 1. 3D models for use in ODEON [34]

Also, Odeon software has a text editor in itself that supports parametric modeling.
The program can identify many sound source types such as multiple sound sources,
human voice, omni sound source as well as in real life.

10
The results that enable us to examine acoustic parameters can be presented in many
different ways. These ;
“Quick Estimate: Fast estimate of reverberation time, and effect from different
absorbing materials, based on diffuse field assumptions (Sabine, Eyring, and Arau-
Purchades).
Global Estimate: Estimate of reverberation time taking room shape, position of
absorbing materials and sources into account.
Single point response: Detailed results of acoustical parameters and auralisation
option for a selected receiver.
Multi point response: Acoustical parameters for a specified number of receivers.
Grid Maps: Map of room-acoustical parameters and statistics for the grid receivers.
Grid Maps of Direct Sound: Fast displayed grid map of direct sound to check the
loudspeaker coverage before the room acoustical parameters are calculated.
Reflector Coverage: 1st and 2nd order reflector coverage.
Ray-Tracing: Dynamic display of raytracing from selected source.
3D billiard: Interactive display for visualisation of wavefronts to demonstrate
scattering, flutter echoes, focusing and coupling effects” [34]
Acoustic datas can be export in current usage formats such as jpeg png gif,pcx, wmf,
emf, bmp. [34]

The Odeon Software Acoustic Simulation program was chosen during the research
because of all these; ease of use,compatibility with many modeling programs, as well
as proven reliability and realistic results.

11
1.3 Subject and Aim

It is very important for human life that the buildings have various comfort criteria
such as ventilation, lighting, sound, heating-cooling in psychological and physical
terms since a large part of human life passes through the interior. Various building
certifications have been formed to increase the quality of the time spent inside the
building and to measure and qualify it. These building certifications include many
criteria that will affect the comfort of life such as energy and water efficiency, air
quality, material selection. One of the important criteria that affects indoor comfort is
acoustic and many researches on sustainable building certifications have indicated
that many comfort criteria are improved but the improvements in acoustic comfort
are inadequate and sometimes the acoustic comfort is reduced. Karaman and Üçkaya
(2015) pointed out that it is great importance to consider the acoustical conditions of
all the buildings required auditory communication and to provide auditory comfort.
[1]

The subject of the thesis is acoustical values required for office buildings and the
place of these values in sustainable certificate systems. In this study, It has been
investigated how noise levels, acoustic reflections and problems affect the quality of
the place and so the quality of life, how much this situation is included in the main
building certification systems and what the necessary improvement suggestions
might be.

The aim of the thesis is set as follows: a check list will be composed in support of
sustainable certification systems, especially in open plan office buildings, with the
characteristics of the building elements to be used, in line with the required acoustic
parameters. This checklist will be made on odeon software program on samples
according to different office types. For this reason, this study will help to understand
the conditions for the issuance of sustainability certificates and their adequacy in
terms of the quality of space and will bring new solutions to them.

12
1.4 Method

Following the literature research, The hypothesis of the study was composed by
basing on the problem of inadequacy of acoustical evaluation and implementation in
newly established sustainable office areas..

In the first part of the research, the acoustic parameters and requirements used for the
criteria of the office areas have been examined in order to understand the acoustic
evaluation. Thus, the relationship between the open office space and the sounds at
the speech level and then the results created by these sounds have been evaluated.
Impact of each parameter on the occurrence of spatial acoustic problems examined in
this section has been determined.

In the third chapter, the relation between acoustic problems and architectural status
has been revealed. The origin, reasons and solutions of these problems have been
researched..

At the next part of the study, to what extent acoustical requirements are included
within the LEED and BREEAM sustainability certification models, respectively,
used in developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom, has
been examined.

In the last part of the thesis, sample of office project was made and then problems
and requirements were practically examined from analysis environmental noise to
selection of inter office materials. For this purpose, the problem that first started
within the office volume was related to the building and environment dimension. In
the next stage, the current office volume which was provided with environmental and
interior noise control and the improved volume which was recommended were
compared by making acoustic simulation samples with Odeon Acoustic Software
program. Lastly, open office volume variables were examined by being kept constant
the environmental and building noise control criteria of the comparative samples.

Sustainability certificates were compared with the output of the sample of office
project where the acoustic problems were examined and the acoustic criteria that
should be evaluated were evaluated. At the end of our study, an acoustic requirement
list, which must be applied, has been composed and the thesis has been completed.

13
 . CHAPTER TWO
ARCHITECTURAL ACOUSTIC
FOR OFFICES

2.1 Sound and Acoustic

Acoustic which means phonics is subdivided various branches such as

psychoacoustic (the psychological effects of sound on people), physiacoustic (the
physical effects of sound on people), bioacoustics (the usage of sound waves in the
medical diagnosis), noise control and architectural acoustics. [2]

The sound control which is the main topic of this thesis, stands for the control of
desired and undesired sound. Hence, the regulations about volume acoustic and
sound quality in indoors will be examined on a sample which will be used in building
acoustic and sound insulation oriented sound control.

Figure 2. Hearing range for speech voice [3]

Speaking is involved in a small part of the hearing capacity and located in a center of
hearing range (Figurel 2). Because, excessive low or excessive loud frequency sound
waves is not used during the speech.

14
It is necessary to know the physical characteristics of sound such as rise of sound,
reverberation of sound, refraction of sound and etc in order to understand the
procedures of sound control. Each of these characteristics can affect the sound waves
to turn into another energy or to go out. In other words, thanks to these
characteristics of sound waves, sound level control or noise control can be provided
in the environment.

2.2 Behavior Of Sound

2.2.1 Sound Frequency

Frequency is a measurement of a incident’s repetiton in a unit of time. Sound is made

of beats .Each time a high‐pressure wave of molecules impinges upon the listener,
it’s heard as a beat, and measured in hertz (Hz), or cycles per second. If the beats
come one per second, it is said they have a frequency of one hertz. One hundred
beats per second, or pressure waves per second, measures one hundred hertz. [4]

A human’s sense of hearing ranges between 20 and 20 000 Hz. And the most
sensitive range is between 2000 to 6000 hz. This aspect is shown below on loudness
contours. These contours show that the human hearing system is rather sensitive to
sounds in 4 kHz and sensitivity relatively decreases in frequencies that are lower or
higher than this.

Figure 3. Normal Loudness Contours for Pure Tones [7]

15
Sounds have a sound intensity related to a frequency and defining a sound quality as
a decibel without indicating its frequency content is an incomplete definition If the
whole energy centers on only one frequency during hearing, it is called pure tone.
Sounds like honk can be shown as examples of pure tone. However, the sounds
produced by musical instruments and have a frequency pattern, are characterized as
harmonic sounds. Sounds such as daily speech, traffic sounds, etc., which have
varying levels of sound along the sound frequency spectrum, are also called complex
sounds. [4]

These complex sounds which are the sounds heared constantly and daily, are taken
part as background noises in our research

2.2.2 Octave Bands

It is very effortful to be able to define the sound volume of each frequency in the
frequency spectrum where the human ear can hear a wide range between 20 and
20000 Hz. For example, to explain a sound in the absence of a sound graphic, a
sound level in each hz like 130 hz in 70 dB, 131 hz 71 dB, should be identified.
Moreover, even in this detailed level the decibel value between the exact number
frequency values might be skipped. For example, 88 decibels are 160.5458 Hz.For
this reason, the octave band, which simplifies the content of the sound spectrum, is
used.

“Grouping frequency ranges into bands with upper and lower limits on the frequency
domain, octave bands allow for the definition of loudness across the frequency
spectrum, divided into finite and practical‐to‐use groupings of frequencies. To better
account for the way human brains perceive pitch, individual octave bands (each
described by the frequency of its geometric center) encompass unequal ranges of
frequencies”. [4]

“Each successive octave band’s center point frequency is set at twice the frequency
of the previous octave band’s center frequency: 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz,
1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz, and 4,000 Hz. These are the octave bands with which
architectural acoustics concerns itself”. [4]

Therefore, 63 Hz, 125 Hz, 250 Hz, 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, 2,000 Hz ,4000 Hz which are
defined as 1/3 octave band in this research, have been investigated.

16
2.2.3 Direct Sound

The sound that arrives at the receiver without interference and reflection between the
receiver and the source is called direct sound. The direct sound that the audience
firstly hear, is the most important sound in a volume and it defines the shortest path
between the source and the audience.

The direct sound generally decrease proportional to the geometric width and
distance, as it goes away from the audio source (when the distance doubles each
time, 6 dB or 25% percentage of it). The human senses often use direct sound to
identify direction, recognize the sound, and know what the source of the sound is. It
is an important advantage to be in the direction of source of sound or the audience. It
is efficient to provide such subjective acoustic parameters like the loudness, clarity
and presence of perceived sound. [5]

2.2.4 Reflection

The sound waves start to move in a radial motion in each direction, when the sound
is activated in a room. These sound waves interfere with the obstacles and surfaces
such as walls etc. and then change their direction. This is called reflection.

Sound follows the same rule as light, the angle of incidence is equal to the angle of
reflection.

“The sound pressure on a surface normal to the incident waves is equal to the energy
density of the radiation in front of the surface. If the surface is a perfect absorber, the
pressure equals the energy density of the incident radiation. If the surface is a perfect
reflector, the pressure equals the energy-density of both the incident and the reflected
radiation”. [3]

2.2.5 Absorption

The sound energy can spread in any environment and at the same time it can be
reduced for various reasons. When sound waves hit an object, high frequency sound
waves reflects from the object. At this time, however, some of the sound waves are
absorbed by the object. This is called absorption. Sound absorption is the main
source of sound attenuation in a place. On the other hand, spreading, scattering and
sound transmission also cause the sound attenuation.

17
Although architectural acoustics is an integral part of structural design of at least 200
years, this subject was placed on a strong scientific structure by Wallace Sabine at
the beginning of 20th century. First of all, Sabine found out that there are various
absorption values based on the type of the material and the angle of the sound on
impact to the material and this can be maximum 1. According to Sabine, an open
window is regarded as a perfect absorber, because the sound that passes through it
never comes back to the room. An open window, by definition, would have 1
absorption rate and all other sound waves that go to all other surfaces will be
evaluated as less than 1.0 because that will reflect back. Based on this, when
calculating the total sound absorption of a room, all the materials/objects in that
room and the places that they are placed on should be included in the total
absorption..

ΣA = S1α1 + S2α2 + S3α3 + . . . .

where S1, S2, S3 . . . = surface areas, sq ft or sq m

α1, α2, α3 . . . = respective absorption coefficients

Moreover, the average absorption coefficient can be calculated by dividing the total
∑𝐴
absorption by the total surface area: 𝑎𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒 = ∑𝑆

Especially at open planned offices, the most preferred type of sound absorption is
seperator barriers. Once a sound wave met with a barrier, part of a wave is
intercepted. Intercepted waves run into the barrier and part of the wave pressure
spread into the area inside the barrier. The absorpsion value of the barrier is defined
as the sound absorption coefficient.

The sound absorption coefficient of the materials are obtained by examining the
laboratory results of the tested construction materials. Absorption coefficient tables
are usually given for the range between 125 to 4000 frequencies in the 1/3 octave
band.

A single number that summarizes performance on octave bands is sometimes

requested to quickly compare the absorption values of different materials. This single
number note, which includes speech frequencies, is called noise reduction coefficient
(NRC). This value is rounded up to the nearest 0.05 after taking the average of the
sound absorption coefficients in the four octave band from 250 Hz to 2,000 Hz. [4].

18
2.3 Acoustic Parameters for Office Spaces

2.3.1 Reveberation Time (RT)

The elapsed time in term of second in order to the sound level decrease below 60
decibels from its highest value after the audio source is turned off is called
reverberation time the volüme. The reverberation time is directly proportional with
the volume of the media and It is inversely correlated with the sound absorption
coefficient of the surfaces of the materials in the environment. [6]

The general equation of the reveberation time which is found by W.C. Sabine as
follows:

RT = 0.161 V / A (2.1)

RT : [sn] Reverberation time

V : [m3] Volume of the room

A : [sabin] Total absorption coefficient

Regarding to the equation, reveberation time is a parameter which depends on

volume and volume absorption. RT60 is the elapsed time for 60 seconds decrease,
but after various researches it is revealed that the first echos reached to the human ear
are important and the reveberation time must be calculated regarding to the first 10-
20 and 30 dB decrease curve (EDT, T20, T30)

Figure 4. Reveberation time graphic based on volumetric size [7]

19
It is necessary that absorption should be higher and the resonance period should be
shorter than the music fields for a variety of reasons such as speech subjectivity at
the office areas, causing physical fatigue and attention disturbance, forming many
sound sources at the same time. According to the graphic above, the average
reveberation time required for open office areas that includes speech intention varies
between 0.1 and 1.1 regarding to the size of volume of the areas. The size of the
volume to be applied and the speech curve should be crossed in order to clarify
reverberation time. For example, the reverberation time of an office volume
which is 30 meters to 20 meters and a ceiling height of 3,5 meters, should be
approximately 0.7 seconds according to the graphic.

2.3.2 Early Decay Time (EDT), T20, T30

The early decay time is also a parameter of the reveberation time and It is calculated
by using 10dB decrase curve that is between first 5dB and 15dB decrease range.

The early decay time corresponds to 6 times of the resonance time measured above
the first 10dB decrease. The early decay time, which analyze the effect of the volume
geometry in detail thanks to first reflections that is obtained from each receiver
points, gives a more subjective assessment in comparison with reveberation time.
The early decay time as a parameter of resonance is calculated for each octave band
and It is expressed as ms [8].

EDT value is introduced by V.L. Jordan and is calculated by the equation below [8]

EDT = t10x6

t10: [sec] The elapsed time for the first 10 dB decrease of sound.
Sound Pressure Level (dB)

Range of measurement(10dB)

Range of measurement(30dB)

Time

Figure 5. Determination of EDT and T in the Curve Of Decrease [9]

20
EDT is less dependent on fullness of the area than RT, and is measured in an
environment without audience. In Beranek studies, It is revealed that there is an
approximately 0,3 sec difference between EDT in empty saloon and RT60 in full
saloon among 52 saloons. [7]

EDT=RT60 ±0,3 sn

T20 and T30 are also calculated in the same way as EDT. The T20 parameter is
obtained by making straight line from the decay curve of 20 dB of sound by
regression analysis and then completing it to 60 dB with the same inclination. The
While T20 parameter is obtained from 20dB decay curve at the first 5dB - 25dB
decrease, The T30 parameter is obtained from 30dB decay curve reaches 60dB at the
first 5dB - 35dB decrease.

Figure 6. Determination of EDT and T20 and T30 on the curve

2.3.3 Defination (D50)

Practical parameters such as the simple early-late ratio (ELR), speech transmission
index (STI), room acoustic speech transmission index (RASTI) have been developed
to measure speech clarity. ELR is widely used from these parameters. The ELR is the
ratio of the early sound to the late at the signal-to-noise ratio. The D50 parameter is
used to measure the clarity syllables at a speech and also a song. In the calculation
of clarity, the 50 ms rate is valid at the function of the speech for ELR. D50
parameter is found by the ratio of the sound energy that arrives in 50 ms after the
sound that reaches directly to the receiver to the total sound energy that reaches that
point. [8]

21
The clarity parameter of the speech is the ratio of the sound energies that arrives to
the receiver in first 50 ms period to total sound energy that arrives to the receiver and
is formulized as below:
50
∫0 𝑝2 (𝑡)𝑑𝑡
D50 = ∞
∫0 𝑝2 (𝑡)𝑑𝑡

D50: [-] Clarity

p2(t): [Pa] Sound pressure
In other words, the more sound reflections that reaches to the receiver in first
50 ms the more clarity of speech. It should be noted that the result should be
bigger then 0.5 while the D50 parameter is being evaluated.

2.3.4 Speech Transmission Index (STI)

The main purpose of usage of the open office areas contains speech depending
activities, so that intelligibility of the speech within the place is crucial in terms of
preferred functionality of the volume. Intelligibility of the speech can be measured
in the void by three metric values: speech intelligibility index (SII or SI), speech
transmission index (STI) or room acoustic transmission index (RASTI). Currently,
The articulation index (AI), an old metric value, is rarely used, because the
reverberation is not considered effectively. In our country, the speech intelligibility is
determined by the parameter of speech transmission index which is calculated
regarding to IEC 60268-16, 2003 [4]

Background noise criteria is crucial about investigating the results of STI parameter.
Increasing of the sound intensity that is called the background noise which is formed
by natural or mechanical methods makes intelligibility difficult

It is considered sufficient to intelligibility of the speech in a circle of only 2 meters

diameter around the sound source in the design of the open offices when the STI
parameter is examined, while designs are made to provide the voice orientation and
transmission with the ceiling and wall panels with the aim of reaching of the speech
to the audience clearly in all hall. This is because in office areas it is expected that
only dual conversion is easily comprehensible and sounds does not reach to another
working area.

22
The subjective scale of STI is given below:

Table 1. Reletionship with STI Parameters –Subjective Scale [4]

Intelligibility and its inverse, Speech Transmission Index Speech Intelligibility Index
(STI) or Rapid Speech
(Speech Privacy) (SII or SI)
Transmission ındex (RASTI)
Perfect intelligibility (no 1.0 100%
privacy)
Excellent intelligibility ≥0.80 ≥98%
Very good intelligibility 0.65–0.80 96%–97%
Good intelligibility 0.50-0.65 93%–95%

Fair intelligibility (poor 0.40-0.50 88%–92%

speech privacy)
Poor intelligibility 0.30-0.40 80%–87%

Bad intelligibility (good <0.30 <80%

speech privacy
Completely unintelligible 0 0%
(confidential)

2.3.5 Speech Privacy: Signal to Noise Ratio (Ut)

In a volume, if speech intelligibility is low, speech subjectivity rises, but in open

office areas it is intended that speech intelligibility is high in a 2-meter-diameter area
and as for speech subjectivity is low out of this diameter.

In an office area with a goal of speech privacy, the desired signal / noise ratio can be
achieved in a various way. Briefly, It can be expressed it as follows: [7]

Source sound Sound Masking sound Signal to noise

level Attenuation level ratio (privacy)
(Reduction)

In office areas STI value should be 0.45 to fully ensure the conditions of the speech
privacy conditions, and as for STI value should be below 0,30 to partially improve
the speech privacy. The relationship between the speech privacy parameter (U50)
and the speech intelligibility parameter (STI) is given in the following graphic.

23
 Figure 7. Relationship Between Speech Intelligibility and Speech Privacy

The relationship between intelligibility and subjectivity is shown below in Table 2:

Table 2. Criterion of Signal to Noise Ratio [7]

Articulation Signal to %sentences Intelligibility Privacy
index noise ratio understood
> 0 dB > 90 Very Good none
> 0,4

0,3 −3 dB 80 Good poor

0,2 −6 dB 50 Fair transitional
0,1 −9 dB 20 Poor normal
< 0,05 −12 dB 0 Very Poor confidential

“Speech Transmission Index (STI) combines both a room acoustics and a signal-to-
noise ratio component into a single objective index for speech intelligibility in
rooms.” [10]
It is important to simultaneously provide both the speech clarity and the speech
quality in an open office volume. Therefore, the U parameter that was formed
by taking table 2 above as the basis, in acoustic design criteria, it is anticipated
to maintain the speech quality at normal levels while providing speech clarity.
Therefore, for the sample work it is identified as -6dB for U50 parameter
criteria

24
2.3.6 Rate of Spatial Decay (DL2)

Speech is the most disturbing sound signal in an open planned office, and necessity
of reducing the speech between different working groups is of utmost importance for
acoustic planning in open-planned offices.

Regarding to IS0 14257, 2001, spatial deterioration ratio is deterioration of sound

pressure level per folding distance. It is possible to evaluate the efficiency of the
surface treatment and thus the acoustic quality of a volume from the spatial
deterioration ratio. DL2 parameter is composed in order to help characterizing of the
speech subjectivity performance of the working areas.. [11]

“The logic behing the parameter is formulized as follows:

dc = 100.3( Lspeech+DLf+ Lc )/ DL2

where:

dc is the distance of comfort,

Lspeech is the level of speech

Lc is the acceptable speech level at the work place.

This (comfort) distance gives an indication of how to proceed in the acoustical

design work concerning absorbing materials, screens, furnishing etc. and act as a
useful tool for the architects”. [12]

Spatial deterioration value is started to investigate after the sound is out of the
source and then proceed 2 meters. Hence, while the results are obtained by the
acoustic simulation programme, it is necessary to place the receivers at distances of 2
and 16 meters away from the source. Besides, It is recommended that the receivers
are aligned in a logarithmic distance between them.. [13]

“The values to be expected for the DL2 parameter is; 1 - 3 dB for reverberant
rooms and 2 - 5 dB for ideally treated rooms. The design criterion for DL2 is set to
3.5 dB or better according to ISO 11690-1, 1996”. [13]

25
2.3.7 Noise Criteria (NC)

The initial point of volume acoustics is the determination of the background noise
within the volume. Background noise refers to constant noise caused by ventilation
and other similar building services..

Technically speaking, the background noise refers to the total remaining sound in a
given location and situation, When the actual sounds examined in an environment are
suppressed. [14]

NC curves (based on the highest noise level in the room) are used in the standards
that are valid in our country among the determined criteria such as NC, RC, NCB,
PNC curves used in the expression of the noise level in the environment. The NC
value is measured in the 1/3 octave band and it provides sensitivity of noise to be
reduced at low frequencies. The numerical definition of the NC curves given in the
graph is the arithmetic mean of the sound pressure levels at 1000, 2000 and 4000
Hz..

Figure 8. NC criteria curves based on Frequency and Sound Pressure

26
The graph in Figure 4 shows the noise pressure value of each frequency of the
background noise source determined at the NC value. Thus, it is determined that how
many dB of constant noise at low, medium and high frequencies.

The NC values that must be required to be composed in order to prevent the noise
sensitivity in the volume are categorized as follows:

Figure 9. NC Curves accordint to Room Type [4]

As shown in the table above, the background noise curve of the office areas can
be characterized NC30 NC35 or NC40 according to the usage of space and size
of the office.

27
2.3.8 A Weighted Sound Pressure Level (Leq)

A weighted sound pressure level is A contour filtered sound intensity. Filter arranges
the measurement value by taking account of the way of to various sound frequencies.
Sound sensivity of the human ear is depends on the sound frequency. People hear
some of the sound frequencies much better then the others. A filtered arrangement’s
main effect is featured less because it is on the low and higher frequencies at the
standard decibel scala. It is generally used in enviromental noise measurement. At
the A weighted sound pressure level, during the period of interest, equivalent sound
level is abbreviated as Leq. [7]
Sound level should be measured three different time intervals of a day as in the
morning, in the evening and at night for measurement of noise level. The equivalent
sound level which is measured within the day is referred as Ld, in the evening is
referred as Le and at night is referred as Ln.
Acceptable noise level limit values of interiors are defined in Regulation on the
Assessment and Management of Environmental Intensity, Annex VII in Table 3
Table 3. Maximum Noise Level
Usage Area Closed Window Open Window
Leq dBA Leq dBA
The values that is no activity in the
usage areas
Public institutions offices 45 55
labratuary 45 55
Meeting Rooms 35 45
Computer Rooms 50 60

2.3.9 Weighted Standardised Level Difference (DnTw)

Either in one of the two rooms, the reference value of the reverberation time in the
receiver room equaled to the difference between the location and time average of the
pressure levels of the sound that is produced by one or more sound source in these
two rooms. [15]
For instance, it is assumed that 70 Db sound is occured in a waiting room and
background noise might be 30 dB in the open office area next to this waiting room.

28
Level difference of sound between these two rooms is 40 dB and this situation
prevents the healthy working in this office area. Standardization of the level
difference of sound is stated in ISO 140-4-1998 as follows:
D = L1 - L2
where
L1 is the average sound pressure level in the source room;
L2 is the average sound pressure level in the receiving room.
DnT= D + 10log T/T0
D is the level difference;
T is the reverberation time in the receiving room;
T0 is the reference reverberation time; for dwellings, T0 = 0,5 s.
NOTE 1 The standardizing of the level difference to a reverberation time of 0,5 s
takes into account that in dwellings with furniture the reverberation time has been
found to be reasonably independent of the volume and of frequency and to be
approximately equal to 0,5 s. With this standardizing, DnT is dependent on the
direction of the sound transmission if the two rooms have different volumes.[15]

2.3.10 Weighted Sound Reduction Index (RW)

Rw is weighted sound reduction index of the wall and it defines the sound insulating
power of the construction element by air. It is a measurable value in a laboratory as
identified in ISO717 Part 1. Larger measurable value means that more powerful
sound insulating power of the construction element. Rw value is measured in the
frequency range of 100 and 3150 Hz. [16]

2.3.11 Weighted Normalized Impact Sound Pressure Level (LNW)

In constructions, insulation assesment for the impact sounds on the floor is

performed same as weighted sound reduction index. Weighted Normalized Impact
Sound Pressure Level used on floor defined as Lnw and it indicates the transmission
level of the standard sound source noise to the ground floor. Hence, the lower Lnw
value desirable.

29
 CHAPTER THREE
ACOUSTICAL COMFORT CONDITIONS FOR OFFICES IN GREEN
BUILDINGS

Nowadays, The demand for energy and natural resources is rapidly increasing as
population and globalization rapidly increase. The considerable amount of reduction
of non-renewable energy sources has led to an increase in the interest of the society
in renewable energy sources, as well as has created anxiety about leaving a viable
environment to the next generations on society.
The concept of sustainability has influenced our living spaces for the first time by
coming into our lives in this way. Sustainability has provided buildings which
designs with environmental responsibility comprehension, is named ecological,
green building etc. names, is appropriate to the weather and conditions, produces
their own energy to enter into our lives.
The aim of designing green buildings is to increase the energy efficiency of the
buildings, to provide using renewable energy and to increase the life quality of
interior. Main requirements such as thermal comfort, enlightenment value with day
light, air quality, usage of natural materials are essential for providing the quality of
interior with sustainable ways. Providing of these requirements by natural methods
causes various negativities in terms of acoustic. These negativities and their solution
suggestions are explained in the next section.

30
3.1 Acoustical Comfort Conditions For Offices In Sustainable
Certification Systems

3.1.1 Leed’s Acoustic Criterias For Office Spaces

It is the first official point scoring system that is developed by United States Green
Buildings Council (USGBC) in the year of 2000 on the purpose of increasing the
speed of development and construction of the green buildings and providing the
environmental sustainability. In 1998, LEED which starts to be used with pilot
scheme for the new buildings is not only used in United States, but also used in many
countries in worldwide. Regarding to GSA, commonly used assesment system is
LEED. [24]

In LEED system, acoustic subject is collected under the concept of indoor air quality.

The subject is stated with the main lines as follows:

• room noise levels

• sound isolation performance of constructions,

• limiting reverberation time and reverberant noise buildup

• paging, masking and sound reinforcement systems

• speech privacy analiysis

Yet, speech privacy is a requirement only for hospital buildings, it is not expected to
be in office buildings. Hence, it will not analyzed in the concept of our study.

3.1.1.1 Backround Noise

Mechanical system and background noises should be reduced in termms of 2011

ASHRAE Handbook. Hereunder, background noises for office areas might be as
follows:

31
Table 4. Design principles for HVAC – background noises in rooms [25]
Oktave band Approximate inclusive sound
Room Types analysis pressure level
NC / RCb dBAc dBCc
Corridors, lobbies 40 45 65
Service and support
40 45 65
areas
Administrative and
Office 30 35 60
special offices
Structure Conference room 30 35 60
Teleconference room 25 30 55
Open plan offices 40 45 65
Corridors, lobbies 40 45 65

3.1.1.2 Sound Insulation

In the concept of Leed, during the phase of building noise control, STC criterion is
used for sound reduction concept of the seperative construction elements. In our
country, related value is defined as Rw. The difference between these two criterions
based on the the different way of calculation. There is no calculation way to establish
a connection between STC and Rw. In Insull which is a construction element sound
transmission measurement programme, each two values should be calculated
seperately. Accordingly, STC values in the concept of Leed as follows::

Table 5. Maximum composite sound transmission class ratings for adjacent spaces
[25]
Adjacency combinations STCC
Residence (within a multifamily
Residence, hotel or motel room 55
residence), hotel or motel room
Residence, hotel or motel room Common hallway, stairway 50
Residence, hotel or motel room Retail 60
Retail Retail 50
Standard office Standard office 45
Executive office Executive office 50
Conference room Conference room 50
Office, conference room Hallway, stairway 50
Mechanical equipment room Occupied area 60

32
3.1.1.3 Reverbaration Times

In the concept of Leed, in order to establish the reverberation time requirements, the
table below stated is taken into account. If there are areas that changing with the
applications or unspesified in the table, it is recommended that standard criterions or
the valid criterions for the closest functional area type in the table to be used.
According to Leed, the required reverberation time for the office areas as follows

Table 6. Reverberation time requirements in Leed [25]

Application T60 (sec), at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz,
and2000 Hz
Executive or private office < 0.6
Conference room < 0.6
Teleconference room < 0.6
Open-plan office without sound masking < 0.8

Open-plan office with sound masking 0.8

3.1.1.4 Paging Masking and Sound Reinforcement Systems

Sound reinforcement systems are one of the desired criterion for conference halls and
auditoriums for over 50 people. For the reason that required criterion for open office
areas are not mentioned in concept of leed, it will not examined in concept of the
study.
For masking systems, the criterion is only the system used is not being over the 48
db. Coverage zone of the loudspeakers provide an uniformity of +/–2 dBA and
speech sprectrums should be masked efficently..

33
3.1.2 Breeam‘s Acoustic Criterion For Office Spaces
BREEAM:,It is developed by Building Research Establishment(BRE) in England
and BREEAM- Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment
Method which is put into practice in the year of 1990 is the first of the green building
assesment systems.

Acoustic requirement subjects are indicated inside the various Bream certification
parts as follows:

• • BREEAM International New Construction-Health&Welfare-HEA05

(Acoustic Performance) and Pollution -POL05( Noise Pollution Reduction)

• BREEAM International Refurbishment- Health & Welfare- HEA05

(Acoustic Performance ) and Pollution -POL05( Noise Pollution Reduction)

• BREEAM Communities-Social&Ekonomic Welfare-SE04 (Sound Pollution)

• BREEAM In-Use International-Building Administration -HEA20(Acoustic

Conditions)

For our open office sample in the concept of BREEAM International New
Construction part, it is evaluated in two sections as noise pollution reduction and
acoustic performace. The aim in the concept of noise reduction: reduction of the
noise probability that is resultant of the fixed wiring in the new building and
affects the surrounding noise sensitive buildings. Hence, it does not cover the
required criterions in the concept of acoustical assesment of open office areas. The
standards that are determinated in acoustical performance part are analyzed in
detailed as follows.

3.1.2.1 Acoustic Performance

Herewith this part, acoustic performance of the building (including sound insulation)
fits with the certain standards is intended.These standards are examined under these
subject headings below.
Interior Noise Level
In order to estimate the mechanical ventilation systams originated internal noise/
sound levels, generally NR curves are used. But in the concept of BREEAM,
alongside of the internal noise originated mechanical ventilation system, closed
ambient noise level criterion including ambient noise that is transmitted through

34
external and frontage, LAeqT is used. LAeqT is obtained by using this formulation with
NR values: LAeqT~ NR+6 dB
In the concept of Breeam, indoor sound level criterions of the areas related to their
vacancy status where might be located in the office buildings as follows:

Table 7.Backround noise crition inBreeam [26]

Function of spaces Sound level of interior spaces

Public area (resting room, toilets) ≤ 40 dB L(AeqT)
Private offices ≤ 40 dB L(AeqT)
Common offices 40-50 dB L(AeqT)
Convention room 35-40 dB L(AeqT)
Receptions 40-50 dB L(AeqT)
Offices designed for speech (education ≤ 35 dB L(AeqT)
and training, seminar and conference
halls)
Concert hall, theatre or auditorium ≤ 30 dB L(AeqT)
Cafe and canteen areas ≤ 50 dB L(AeqT)
Catering kitchens ≤ 50 dB L(AeqT)
Restaurant areas 40-55 dB L(AeqT)
Private areas 50-55 dB L(AeqT)
Manuel studios ≤ 55 dB L(AeqT)
Library areas 40-50 dB L(AeqT)

When the sound level intervals are indicated and confidentiality is not seen as a
problem by the consumer, lower limit of the interval can be neglected and sound
level criterion can be acceptable as lower than upper limit or equal to the upper limit.
Breeam stated in the case of inadequate speech privacy for Interior noise level as
follows:
“Unless calculationsfrom the suitably qualified acoustician or mechanicalservices
engineer confirm otherwise;the contribution to the indoor ambient noise level from
mechanicalservicesfor the privacy index should be assumed to be lessthan 35 dB,
LAeq,T, regardless of the upper limit during the design stage of the project.
To increase the ambient noise level, where privacy isrequired or the ambient
targetsinclude a minimum as well as maximum limit, an artificialsound source or

35
sound masking system may be required. Any artificialsound source or sound masking
system should be installed and in operation at the time of the acoustic testing to
demonstrate compliance.” [26]

Reverberation Times

The part of the reverberation time inside Breeam, determines the parameters of
reverberation, sound absorption and sound transmission index control of the applied
office. In respect to this, Breeam’s requirements that refer to BS 8233:2014 part 7 are
briefly as follows:

Table 8. Reverberation time requirements in Breeam [26]

Room Volume(m3) Reveberation time

Speech Music
50 0.4 1.0
100 0.5 1.1
200 0.6 1.2
500 0.7 1.3
1000 0.9 1.5
2000 1.0 1.6

Besides, there is an another criterion as <0.8s for open office areas . The parameter
of sound transmission index is determined as follows:

Table 9. STI requirements in Breeam [26]

Performance Speech Transmission Index(STI)

Education or critical listening activity in ≥0.6
a group
Inter groups (During critical listening ≤0.3
activity)

36
3.1.2.2 Sound Insolution

In this part, as well as outer noise and noise originating from interior service area,
requirement of controlling the noises originating from adjacent volumes is
discoursed. Hereunder, there is a precondition that the sound difference between two
volumes should follow the table below:
Table 10. DnTw requirements in Breeam [26]

noise sensevity of receiving room

privacy requirement activity noise of source room
low sensivity medium sensivity sensitive

very high 47 52 57
high 47 47 52
confidential
typical 47 47 47
low 42 42 47
very high 47 52 57
high 37 42 47
modarate
typical 37 37 42
low no rating no rating 37
very high 47 52 57
high 37 42 47
no private
typical no rating 37 42
low no rating no rating 37

NOTE Background noise can also influence privacy. A) DnTw 55 dB or greater is

difficult to obtain on site and room adjacencies requiring these levels should be
avoided wherever practical. [26]

37
3.1.3 Sbtool‘s Acoustic Criterias

SBTool created by developed countries into lay the foundations for an environmental
assessment method for buildings in 1998. SB Tool is a general evaluation framework
that is not implemented directly on buildings. The purpose of tool is adapting to
regional conditions that using by this framework. [27].

performance categories of based on the evaluation:

“(A) Site regeneration and development, urban design and infrastructure,”

“(B) Energy and resource consumption,”

“(C) Environmental loading,”

“(D) Indoor environmental quality,”

“(E) Service quality,”

“F) Social, cultural and perceptual aspects,;”

“(G) Costs and economic aspects.” [28].

Acoustic criterion is evaluated under the tittle of "Acoustic comfort" in the

categories of "Indoor environmental quality".

According to SBTool, the acoustic behavior of the building is determined by the

calculation of the building's acoustic comfort level (PCA).. PCA refers to the general
behavior of the building in terms of sound insulation. the system based on comparing
performance of acoustic isolation that provided by each building element..

The system goes through, the determination of the solution value by joint calculation
of standard value given by RRAE (Regulation of Acoustic Requirements of
Buildings) and best value given by SBTool itself .

According to this, SBTool system wants to calculating the steps on below

• Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to air conduction sounds

between the outside and rooms or sitting areas of the building”

• “Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to air conduction sounds

between compartments of a fire and rooms or sitting areas of another fire”

38
 • “Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to air conduction sounds
between locations of common circulation of the building and rooms or sitting
areas of a fire”

• “Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to air conduction sounds

between locations of the building destined for trade, industry, services or
entertainment and rooms or sitting areas of a fire”

• “Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to percussion sounds between

floors of a fire or locations of common circulation and rooms or sitting areas
of another fire”

• “Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to percussion sounds between

locations of the building destined for trade, industry, services or
entertainment and rooms or sitting areas of a fire”

• “Quantification of the level of acoustic comfort to noises of collective

equipments” [28].

By the standardization method, level difference are calculated between the different
spaces that are wanted requriements in above and foudns P CA value of building. The
acoustics performance value of the building that is determined to according to PCA
value is like the following table. [28]

Table 11. Acoustic Performance Levels in SBTool [28]

Level Conditions

A+ PCA >1,00

A 0,70 < PCA ≤ 1,00

B 0,40 < PCA ≤ 0,70

C 0,10 < PCA ≤ 0,40

D 0,00 < PCA ≤ 0,10

E PCA<0,00

Accordingly, the building performance measures are scored between -1 and 5.

39
3.2 Sustainable Offices and Acoustic

3.2.1 Design Requirements And Solution Offers Affecting Acoustic In

Sustainable Offices

3.2.1.1 Enviromental Noise Control

Sounds with specific characteristics are perceived as noise by people. For instance, if
the sound is trapped in narrow bands, this sound is perceived as louder than the
sound which has the same energy but is expanded into wider bands. Another example
is related to uprising period of sound. The sound which one is uprising faster is
perceived as louder than the other one with the same energy. Irregular unstable sound
is perceived louder than stabile sound [17].

Acoustic satisfaction of indoor should firstly be assessed in the open air. The design
elements of the building should be compatible with the sound levels of its location in
order to prevent noise transmission. Besides, the compatibility between function of
the building and function of the other existing buildings in that area, provides that the
noise is more easily controlled. For instance, when an office project that is planned to
be constructed in the industrial zone is compared to an office project that is planned
to be constructed in the areas with low noise ratio, it would be both more costly and
impossible to prevent noise completely. Hence, in the zones of loud areas (airport,
highway, plant, railway etc.) it should be avoided from constructing buildings such as
hospial, office, educationl etc., that are not suitable for these functions [18] If the
building was firstly built in the region, it is also important to determine the functions
of other buildings planned to be built in this area in the future. If the buildings to be
built are not acoustically compatible, significant improvement precaution must be
taken in order to bring interior sound ambient to an acceptable level [ [18]

When the improvement of the acoustic ambient is the general purpose, noice control
and acoustic landscape (sound universe) design are the two main perspectives about
sound control in the ambient. [16]

In terms of acoustic landscape, more than one design target being in a single
application example is been supportive about design characteristics of the sustainable
buildings. For instance, soil barrier which is composed of plants with low growth rate

40
and drought-tolerance might act as a noise barrier, correspond with sustainable
development principles and help to safety requirement between buildings. [18]

Figure 10. Acoustic Problem and Solution Regarding To Building Orientation [20]

During the design of the noise barrier, the barrier source must be made as close to the
barrier source as possible, so that the building stays within the barrier in an easier
way.

Glass surfaces and huge gaps should be constitute on the surface of the buildings in
order to obtain energy efficiency by reducing the enlightenment and electricity and
also in order to improve the quality of enlightenment by taking maximum benefit
from daylight These glass surfaces increase the transmission of daylight into the
building, reduce the sound insulation between the interior areas and increase the level
of exterior noise. The insulation of glass surfaces is less then the opaque wall and
roof element. . Special acoustic qualified transparent products are not preferred by
reason of their high prices and also having lower level of sound transmission (RW) in
comparison with opaque elements.

So that, the construction materials of the building, which will be built on noise level
reduced area with acoustic barrier, should be selected in accordance with the existing
acoustic condition. Having appropriate sound transmission coefficients (RW) of floor
and wall materials will prevent the performance degradation of employees in the
volume because of the noise which is come from outside such as transportation,
industry, road and building construction, entertainment and commercial etc.

41
It is necessary to firstly perform the environmental noise analysis of the construction
which of noise control will be provided in order to determine the Rw values of the
construction components to be used in the facade. Therefore, an A weighted sound
level measurement must be conducted in the area on which it will be placed

The noise simulation maps that are created as a result of environmental noise
measurement enables us to determine the noise that will come to the building facade.
Sound Plan Essential is the most widely accepted one within the noise simulation
programs which are currently the most preferred method for this.

In the noise analysis software, determining the essential sound receiving points is
important in terms of interpreting the results accurately. Facade Noise Receivers: In
order to measure the sound pressure levels that come to the façade surface, a receiver
must be designated to each floor based on the Environmental Noise Evaluation and
Management Regulations. These receivers must be designated to be 2 meters away
from the façade of the building. The reason for this is to prevent remeasuring the
reflections that will arise from the façade on the receiver points.

The A weighted sound pressure level values that are measured in various hours are
imprinted on the modelling. The imprinted measurement must be made in three
different time frames in the morning, evening and at night. This is important to learn
how the noise status of the environment changes within the day. The noise and the
noise reflections that come from the other buildings are inspected with the designated
receiving points and the sound pressure levels that will come to each floor are
determined.

Temperature, pressure, humidity, and wind status must also be taken into
consideration during the measurement. In addition to sound being propagated in a
fast or delayed manner based on the weather conditions, the road emulsion will also
show a difference based on the weather being rainy or sunny. The required tolerance
values must be generated based on this.

Based on environmental noise evaluation and regulations, environmental noise

exposure categories of a building are defined as follows:

a) Category A ( in terms of Ldaylight < 55 dBA) Area: Maximum level of the

noise in this category is not obtrusive Noise is not evaluated as a determinant factor,
while planning decision is given..

42
 b) Category B ( in terms of Ldaylight 55-64 dBA) Area: The noise in this
category is obtrusive but level of the noise is taken into account in planning
decisions. Planning decisions are given by taking the necessary precautions against
noise.

c) Category C ( in terms of Ldaylight 65-74 dBA) Area : The noise in

this category is pretty obtrusive. Planning decision of the new housing zones are not
generally given. Nevertheless, the precautions against the noise is taken by taking
into account the level of background noice in the case of necessity of public welfare
and being allowed is an obligation due to the lack of a quieter location.

d) Category D ( in terms of Ldaylight >74 dBA) Area: The noise in this

category is excessively obtrusive. The planning decision of new housing zone is not
given in these areas. Planning decision of is given by taking precautions against the
noise of , working area [14]

Based on the categories of the environmental noise exposure, permeability values

(RW value) of the construction elements of the office buildings which are
constructed in these areas are given in Table 12:

Table 12. Sound insulation values in order to provide noise control [14]
Rw values of External
Class of Noise Level Interval of the Related Construction Elements for
Noise Level Offices (Db)
A Until 55 dB -
B From 55 dB to 64 dB 30 db
C From 65 dB to 74 dB 35-40db
D Higher than 74 dB 40 ve üzeri db

Considering today's city life, the noise level of many areas on the road side is higher
than 55 dB. This situation incapacitates the absorbency values of some distinct
construction elements.

43
3.2.1.2 Orientation of spaces and building noise control

Another point that needs to be examined acoustically is the positioning of the

building on the land in the beginning of architectural design. Environmental noise
criterion is not generally take into consideration, while the buildings are positioned in
consideration of many criteria such as land condition, weather condition, sun
direction, landscape. In this case, problems can arise that can not be solved even if
the construction elements are strengthened acoustically.

For instance, a building model which has a courtyard and whom major side is located
on a main road cause all the noise coming from the road to rise due to its reflection
from the courtyard facade wall. This model prevents to be protected from the noise
and moreover the model cause the noise to increase and the echo problem to occur.
The façade walls of the courtyard is considered quite negative in terms of acoustic
comfort. Instead of this model, a building model whom backplane side is located on
a main road will not cause the echo problem and it also provide to minimize the
noise transmission within the building..

Figure 11. Building Orientation related acoustical problem and solution

example. [19]

As well as controlling the outside noise sources of the building, each noises which
are called as indoor noise sources such as neighborhood noises in the residential
buildings, mechanical device and equipment noises, electrical system noises,
circulation system noises, variable special noises related to the building usage should
be examined seperately and investigated how they spread out [16]

44
The building shape and volume organization should be arranged in a way that protect
the noise-sensitive volumes from noise sources. Therefore, firstly, noise sources of
exterior and interior and routes of sound transmissionshould be determined.

Figure 12. Noise Sources and Sound Differection. [20]

The human originated noises are the primary noises that affect humans negatively .
Hence, prevention with the neighbourhood related noise sources such as high heel
noises, loud talks, bathroom and kitchen noises seperative construction elements or
buffer zones of have an high importance.
Besides, the noise and vibration in technical volumes should be controlled in order to
keep the background noise acceptable. Technical volumes are assigned as noise
sources in the buildings. The noise forms in these volmes in two ways: air born
noises and solid born noises. During the architectural design, these volumes that are
assigned as noise sources, should be kept away from the acoustically critical places.
The noise based volume should be designed to be kept away from the noise sensitive
units in order to control the air born noises and seperative walls of the volume should
be determined regarding to characteristics of the noise. If it is not possible to prevent
noisy areas such as elevator shaft to be neighbour with noise sensitive volumes,
additional acoustic precautions are required. For instance, it is possible to establish
buffer zones between these two areas as a precaution in this kind of situation.

45
Figure 13. The usage of buffer volume between noisy and sensitive volumes. [20]

In order to identify the seperative elements based on characteristics, firstly spots in

the buildings should be included in the main groups. If the relavant building is an
office area, thses main groups can be collected under the noise source titles like
offices, circulation areas, cafteria, public areas, parking areas, terrace, shaft, stairway
and gallery shaft etc. There are required DnTw values between neighbouring spots
that we determined with main titles. These values varies with the characteristics of
the volumes. It can be explained for office areas with an example table as follows: :

Table 13. The required Dntw values between volumes [20]

Receiving Room Type Source Room Type Requirement

Offices Office Dntw >45db
Cafeteria dntw>50db
Shaft dntw>55db
Mechanical volume Parking Area Dntw>40db
Shaft Dntw>40db
Stairway Dntw>45db
Parking Area Stairway Dntw>40db
Terrace Office dntw>45db
Gallery Shaft ofis Dntw>45db
Cafeteria Genel kullanım alanı Dntw>45db
ofis Dntw>40db
Conference Hall Offices Dntw>50db

46
 Mechanical volume Dntw>70db
Public Room Dntw>55db
Gallery Shaft Dntw>55db
Shaft Office Dntw>45db
Public Room Dntw>45db
Public Room Office Dntw>40db
Conference Hall Dntw>40db
Stairway Office Dntw>45db

Regarding to the table above, The selection of the bearing and the separative
construction elements is provided by selecting the weighted sound reduction index
(Rw) of the separating elements between the places.
The reduction coefficients of the separator structural elements that will be
determined are designed to be +2 dB more from the limit values between the
volumes that are determined in the table above. [20]
As well as separating walls, heating-ventilation systems can also create noise bridge.
Therefore, while the heating-ventilation project is being carried out, it is necessary
that flexible connectors should be used while ventilation duct is transported to the
volumes and also sound bridges should be considered It should be performed
application with the pipes whom culvert of air intake and suction is flexible in order
to prevent transportation of sound formed in a volume to other volumes in the
sequent single line ducts. These pipes should end in an obfuscatory way.

Direct contact of these elements to the building structure should be avoided during
the wall transitions of the ventilation ducts and the pipes. The transmission of
vibration will be reduced to minimum if the transitions is achieved using vibration-
absorbing materials. Usage of firestop mortar and firestop brick is suitable for such
transitions. Having high density and high flexibility properties of the fire-stop
materials ensure that the the noise do not transmit acoustically.

47
3.2.1.3 Criterion of Room Acoustic and Solutions

Open planned offices are the volumes that includes many noise sources such as
employees, machines sounds, stabile mechanical sounds and etc at the same time.
Providing enviromental and indoor noise control of an area should not be inferred
that acoustical requirements are completed. When the room scale of the construction
is considered, each surface that the sound waves in the room encounter has an
acoustic meaning. In open offices these surfaces are used to make people hear each
other clearly and at the same time they are used to make people not hear each other.
Hence, in open planned offices, obtaining the speech privacy and speech
intelligibility at the same time is a thin line. In this part, the design factors that affect
some parameters which are resonance time, intelligibleness, clearnes and sperech
privacy have been investigated.

3.2.1.3.1 Backround Noise

One of the main points of open-plan offices is background noises. In an open-plan

office volume where noise control of the building is provided, Factors that might
cause background noise heating and ventilation systems, speech sounds, object
friction, sound of mechanical instruments (computer, fax, photocopy, coffee maker
etc.).

Ventilation and heating systems among these factors are the main sources of the
background noise. Unlike the others, ventilation noises are a continuous and
measurable noise source.

Sounds of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning system creates a constant but
not exhausting preferred noise at a low decibel in the office area. This low level of
noise helps employees in the office to hide their private conversations when it is
necessary.

Acoustic scientists measure the background noises as “A- weighted” decibel. This
odd-numbered measurement calculates the noise heard at the frequency that the
human ear is sensitive. It is often used in environmental noise measurements, and it
may not be sufficient for criterion a weighted metric indoor noise measurement.
Hence, NC value which is measured in the room noise 1/3 octave band is used in the
interiors [4].

48
Background noise in the open planned offices that should be considered is between
NC30-NC40.. [4]

The background noise values measured in 1/3 octave band, which reveal the amount
of noise in the environment for each Hz in terms of decibels are given in Table 14:

Table 14. Background Noise Curve Values [4]

Oktav bans 63 hz 125hz 250hz 500hz 1000hz 2000hz 4000hz 8000hz

NC 30
57 48 41 35 31 29 28 27

NC 35
60 52 45 40 36 34 33 32

NC40 64 56 50 45 41 39 38 37

In the buildings that have natural ventilation to provide sustainability NC value

decrease because of no mechanical ventilation noises. The decrease in this value
cause speech privacy problem in open planned offices because it reduces masking of
background noises. This situation causes loss of concentration even in the lowest
noise in the future.
While two or more sounds are sufficiently different in the environment, it is difficult
to perceive the lower sound. This is called masking the silent sound by the loud
sound. [21]
A masking system can be used in order to arrange the background noise level which
is reduced due to various sustainable design requirements. The masking system is a
method that give out a ventilation simulation sound to the offices with neutral
background noise. the masking system is formed by loudspeakers located along the
ceiling area of the open plan office. The spread of the system is achieved with the
reverberation that occurs in the flooring sill by directing the loudspeakers upwards.
Thus, a sound field which spreds to cover more areas below is generated. Having the
equal coverage zones of the sound is crucial for the office employees to perceive
where the sound comes from and not to prevent working. Briefly, The aim of
masking systems create background noise in order to provide a high level of speech
privacy, as well as imitate the acoustic environment created by conventional
conditioning systems.

49
 3.2.1.3.2 Facade and Walls

One of the most important factors affecting energy efficiency, which is the main
target in the design of a sustainable building, is facade. The facede is a factor that can
change the basic systems of the building, such as heating, cooling, ventilation and
lighting. Glass facades are preferred in order to provide energy saving by taking
maximum advantage from sun light for heating and lightning, as mentioned before.
The glass facades are used for most of the main separating elements forming the
volume so that the sun light taken from the facade is desired to be effective to the
inside of the building.

Increasing usage of glass is among the factors that affect noise control and volume
acoustics. Glass is a reflective material, and in order not to block the daylight, the
absorbent material is not covered with acoustic materials, causing high tinnitus in the
room. For this reason, glass construction elements create problems, that affect the
working environment, such as long ringing times, echo, overlap, sound transmission
in open office areas.

The first step for controlling the consisted negative criterion, is that the surfaces
which are the reason for reverberation is coated with the acoustically high absorbent
materials. However, covering high absorbent materials prevent energy efficiency
which is the main design purpose of the glass surfaces. Therefore, the new generation
of micro perforated translucent materials has taken the place of classical opaque
absorbent elements as high-absorbency materials. These materials, which can hold
400 000 holes per square meter, work on the basis of air absorption.

Micro perforated membrane Micro perforated membrane Transparent membrane

Micro perforated membrane

Figure 14. Micro Perforated Absorber Material Application Methods [22]

These materials applied by leaving a space between 10 and 20 cm in the back can be
applied with steel tie systems seperately and also can be used as lightning equipment
by putting a light behind with a standard transparent membrane.

50
Absorbency graphs obtained only with air and not applied any absorbent felts behind
the micro perforated transparent materials are shown in Figure 12.

Figure 15.The aborbency values of the micro perofrated absorber materials

[22]

Figure 16. Application of Micro Perforated Absorber Material [22]

Another surface coating material that is an alternative of an acoustic

membrane is acoustic covers. The material, which is also designed to be transparent,
can be applied with normal cover or stretch system. Thus, when the daylight and the
heat are taken in, it forms the necessary absorbency values within the volume.

51
 Figure 17. Transparent Cover Application

In addition, if it is not desired to coat the glass surface area with any material, rather
than large flat glass surfaces, gnarled or faulted surfaces might be preferred. These
surfaces will prevent the reberverations to transit big gaps because of reducing the
focussing of sound on one point, even if these surfaces does not provide any
absorbency in the volume. In this case, the necessity of the absorbent material in the
volume should be supported by other elements.

3.2.1.3.3 Seperation elements

The seperative panels are main elements of the open office areas which are used in
either to provide concentration by visually unlinking or to reduce the sound
transmission by providing the sound wave refraction and absorption inside the
office. The logic behind the inter office seperation elements is generally based on the
sound barriers that are used for establishment of environmental noise control.
When a plane wave encounters a barrier, the lower portion of it is cut off leaving the
rest to propagate over the wall. The high and low-pressure regions of the wave
impinge on the quiescent fluid in the shadow zone and propagate into it. In this
manner the wave diffracts or is bent into the space behind the barrier. The greater the
diffraction angle the greater the attenuation. [7]
For this reason, the part of the barrier that refracts the waves is being made of
absorber material has an high importance in order to provide neutraliation of the
encountered waves inside the barriers. But, acoustic felt and wool content materials
with high absorbency ability are unfavourable because they have an opaque quality

52
and cut the lightning transmission off. With the worry of natural lightning and
energy saving seperative panels that are made of transparent or translucent reflactive
materials are only used for visual unlinking.
In this case, transparent micro perfore panels might be used in seperation elements.
The other method is designing the absorber upper part of 120 cm ear lenght of the
seperation elements from glass etc materials. This obtains the required sound
absorbency between working areas and also does not prevent the sun light
transmission. [23]
Another topic that should taken into account about seperative elements is the height
of the barrier. As we mentioned above, the bigger diffraction angle of the sound
barrier the lower sound transmission. This shows that direct proportion between
height of the barrier and loss of sound transmission. Hence, the panels, which have
the height until 120 cm that is accepted as head level insitting position of the
employees, can not function. Because, refraction will start after the level of the sound
source exit (after the head level). Yet, it won’t give best results because of the
minority of the refracting angle in the parts between 120 and 155 cm. If it is desired
that to get the best acoustical performance from the seperative panels, attention
should be paid for the height is over the 155 cm..

3.2.1.3.4 Floor and ceiling mateials

In open planned offices, ceiling areas creates a huge reverberation area in terms of
having the biggest uninterrupted surface. Hence, good absorbency ratio of the ceiling
area whereas providing the speech privacy by cutting up the whisperer surface effect
in the volume, also reduces the reveberation time. Thus, both a comfortable working
area is established and also speech intelligibility in dualogs between 1,5-2 meters
range is provided. But by enabling the natural orientation, it is thought that ceiling
system that is exposed to the heat and light from glasses will support both natural
lightning and also passive heating and cooling. On the other hand, sustainability
concept which does not support the usage of surplus material carries on in the
direction of writing off the ceiling systems..
As a matter of course, this brand new design approach bring along the new acoustic
materials. The primary of these materials is fire control sprays. Fire line generated
with exposed ceiling system and fibrous cement applied over the steel elements or

53
some of the cement plasters are produced as to provide acoustical absorption. The
absorbency value of these kind of sprays are around 0.75-0.85.
Another frequently used material type is acoustical felt or roof panel system with
fibreglass filling and wood wool panels. This material can be used as well as on the
ceiling with hanger elements or closed system, and also can be used on the wall by
installing on the structure system.

Figure 18. Wood Wool Applications Types

The concrete application is performed frequently also on the floor in order to apply
radiant heating and cooling easily and provie low energy level. This case, as well as
it is one of the factor that increases the reverberation surface in the volume, it also
causes impact related noise transmission to the adjacent volumes. On the purpose of
controlling the reverberation time, carpet treatment which is a positive method in
open office areas, if it is not preferrable linoleum over the screed to prevent impact
noise or under screed impact preventer materials – if only gross concrete is used-
should be used.

54
3.2.2 Prerequisites ve Guideline For Acoustic Performans Criterion

3.2.2.1 Prerequisites

Because of the environmental sound control will differ based on the area where the
building will be placed, it is mandatory to include a specific criterion value. First of
all, prerequisites must be created to be able to evaluate this section. These
prerequisites can be listed as follows:
1- When the premises are being selected as it is detailed in Section 3.2.1.1, the
function of the building to be in a harmonic function with the existing
building in the area must be taken into consideration. It is prerequisite to
prepare a report regarding that this was taken into consideration.
2- If it is necessary and possible, noise barriers must be made between the space
that the building will be located and the main noise source as it is detailed in
Section 3.2.1.1. It is prerequisite to prepare a report regarding that this was
taken into consideration.
3- In order to rate the level and category of the noise, the noise measurement of
the environment must be made as it is detailed in section 3.2.1.1. It is
prerequisite to prepare a report regarding that the environmental noise
measurement has been made.

3.2.2.2 Guidelines

3.2.2.2.1 Building Noise Control Guidelines

1-Determining the Noise Reduction Coefficients of the Façade Elements

In order to be able to select the façade elements, first of all a noise simulation must
be conducted. The noise analysis requirements that are indicated in section 3.2.1.1
Environmental Noise Control must be taken into consideration while conducting a
noise simulation.

The highest sound pressure level that will come to the building façade must be
calculated sticking to the emission measurement that was conducted and to the
simulation results, and façade elements that are suitable for this must be created.
You must be careful to select the sound permeability values (RW) of the façade
elements that will be created to be 2 dB more than the maximum noise level that
comes to the building façade.

55
2-Determining the Target Values (DNTW ) Between Spaces

The sound level differences that we define as DNTW between adjacent neighborhoods
which are explained in detail in Section 3.2.1.2 table 5 must be determined.
Therefore, in regard to provide noise control in the best and cost-effective way, it is
important to primarily determine the space types in the building in accordance with
the noise criteria and provide space orientation of the coherent space types to be side
by side.

3-Creating the Wall and Floor Details That Will Meet the Target Values

Subsequent to determining the sound level differences between the volumes,

separator structure elements that will prevent penetration of this sound level
difference must be created. As it is indicated in Section 3.2.1.2, the sound reduction
coefficients of the separator structure elements that will be determined must be
designed as it will be +2 dB more than the limit values between the volumes that are
determined in the table above.

4-Providing Vibration Control in Mechanical Volumes and Elements

When the problem in question is solid-borne noise transmission, the noise reduction
value of the separator element that is created for air-borne noise prevention will not
be sufficient. Therefore, as it is explained in section 3.2.1.2, in mechanical volumes,
the impact noise of the mechanism must be known and the connection between the
solid and the device that will create the impact must be cut and the vibration
transmission must be prevented

3.2.2.2.2 Room Acoustic Guidelines

The evaluation rules for the volume acoustic that is required for an open office space
reveal the main idea of the research and the short-coming areas in the evaluation
criteria in the sustainability certificates. According to this, the guideline points that
are suggested to be present for the volume acoustic are as follows:

1-Setting the Background Noise Values

The background noise level of a volume must be determined as it is explained in
detail in section 2.3.7. The noise level that is required to be continuously present
within a volume according to the purpose of the volume is explained in figure 8 in
accordance with the literature. If the background noise level within the open office

56
volume will be more than the literature criteria, the sound entries must be prevented,
and mechanic noise must be reduced by stopping them as it is explained in 3.2.1.2, if
it will be less, it will be increased with sound masking systems as it is explained in
section 3.2.1.3.1 Background Noise in the required level.

2-Determinig the Design Criteria of the Early Decrease Time

As it is explained in section 2.3.2 the early decrease time which is a reverberation
time parameter, early reflections give more subjective results for human ears. First
reflections are important for the open office volumes where the resonance time is
especially required to be low. Therefore, EDT must be determined based on the RT –
volume- function graphic in figure 3 and EDT=RT60 ±0,3 dB correlation that
indicates the maximum resonance time difference that is required to be in between
the EDT and RT must be taken into consideration.

3-Determining the T20 Design Criteria

The T20 design criteria that are considered as secondary reflections must also be
determined based on the EDT and RT as it is explained in section 2.3.2 and must be
taken into consideration when reviewing the result of the design.

4-Determining the T30 Design Criteria

The T30 design criteria that are considered as secondary reflections must also be
determined based on the EDT and RT as it is explained in section 2.3.2 and it must
be reviewed whether an accurate graphic is created with EDT and T20 or not when
reviewing the result of the design.

5-Determining the RT60 Design Criteria

The RT criteria that are defined as delayed reflection must be determined as it is
explained in section 2.3.1. Determining the RT criteria is important in terms of
determine criteria for first reflections and creating a straight inclined graphic between
these.

6-Reviewing the Speech Clarity

The D50 definition must be reviewed as it is explained in detailed in section 2.3.3
volume acoustic criteria and in accordance the way the design criteria are

57
determined.

7-Reviewing the Speech Transmission Index

STI parameter which is important for open office spaces in terms of transmission of
conversation to one another must be evaluated as it is explained in detail in section
2.3.4 and as it is indicated in table 1.

8- Determining the Sound Distortion Rate

Suitability of the volume that is being used must be evaluated as the ISO criteria is
determined as it is explained in detail in section 2.3.6 for the DL2 parameter that
determines the distortion rate of the sound per distance.

9- Providing the Personal Speech Privacy

The U parameter that is also quite related to the DL2 parameter and defines
providing the speech privacy must be evaluated as it is explained in detail in section
2.3.5.

10-Concreating the Above Volume Acoustic Criteria and the In-Volume Material
Selections

The effective point in providing all these volume acoustic parameters that are
indicated above are the surfaces that provide dispersion or absorption of the sound
within the volume. As it is explained in detail in 3.2.1.3 Room Acoustics Criteria and
Solutions Section, the absorption or dispersion values of the surfaces within the
volume must be adjusted and the simultaneous results of these with the
abovementioned acoustic parameters must be reviewed on the acoustic simulation
program. As a result of this, the material combinations that will provide the indicated
values of all the acoustic objective parameters that are anticipated to be required for
the open office spaces above must be created by using Odeon.

58
 3.2.2.3 Guidelines Checklist

Table 15. Acoustic requirements for working spaces - Design criteria

Acoustic requirements for working spaces Design criteria
Building noise Determining the sound Environmental noise analysis and
control reduction coefficients of the prerequisite report regarding
requirements façade elements determining the noise amount that
come to the façade.
Target values between spaces After determining the space types,
orientation and noise criteria of the
space types, based on the acoustic
design application and inspection
manual [20]
Creating the wall and floor The DNTW value that is determines in
details that will meet the accordance with the acoustic design
target values application and inspection of buildings
manual is +2dB
Providing vibration control in
the mechanical volume and
elements
Volume Adjusting the background NC 30-40 range
acoustic noise values
requirements Determining the early To be between 0.1 to 1.1 range based
decrease time design criteria on the size of the speech functional
volume
Determining the T20 design To be between 0.1 to 1.1 range based
criteria on the size of the speech functional
volume
Determining the T30 design To be between 0.1 to 1.1 range based
on the size of the speech functional
criteria
volume
Determining the RT60 design To be between 0.1 to 1.1 range based
on the size of the speech functional
criteria
volume
Speech clarity ≥0.00s
Speech transmission ≥0.60s

59
Providing the speech privacy ≥ -6 dB
in the open office space
Determining the sound ≥ 3.5 dB
distortion rate
Determining the absorbtion Based on the acoustic design criteria
value of the material and Odeon software acoustic
simulation program

60
 CHAPTER FOUR
THE CASE OF STUDY: ACOUSTIC DESIGN OF OPEN PLANNED
OFFICES OF KONAK MUNICIPALITY SERVICE BUILDING

In this section, open-plan offices of the new Service Building to be built under
Konak Municipality, which is aimed at being sustainable, will be studied from an
acoustic perspective. The main purpose of choice; the building is being an office
building that is design with the concern for sustainability. The building on which we
easily see the acoustic problems that the finish surfaces that are selected to make it
sustainable is can be intervened with due to being in the project phase. Therefore, the
building, of which we will review the solution offers to acoustic problems will utilize
the review while it is being put into effect.

To do this, firstly, environmental noise maps will be generated via the Sound Plan
software by measuring the building area in Izmir, Yesildere. Hence, the noise level of
Yesillik Street, which is located next to the building, and how much the building
would be affected from it will be established.

Secondly, via the Insul software, which generates air-born sound reduction index of
construction materials; technicalities of seperator elements will be determined in
order to prevent the building being affected by the identified noise levels.
Additionally, via the SONarchitect software, interactions of various rooms inside the
building, especially the open-office areas, will be studied; then, with a view to reduce
this interaction to a minimum, orientation of workspaces inside the building and
sound absorption levels of seperator elements will be examined. Material suggestions
will be given to prevent noise-bridges from air-conditioning systems.

Finally, sustainably designed dividing and seperating elements of an open-office

space, of which, sound interaction with surrounding volumes and environmental
noise permeability is reduced to a minimum, will be modelled. The modelled room
will be transferred to the acoustic simulation software, Odeon; where parametres

61
such as background noise levels, reverberation times, clarity of speech and speech
privacy will be evaluated..

4.1 Service Building Environmental Noise Control Analysis

4.1.1 Location of Project and Noise Measurement

The new service building of Konak Municipality to be built is located in Yesildere
region of Karabaglar district in Izmir. Yesildere region, by location, has a heavy
traffic flow, being positioned on one of the main junction points of Izmir. Therefore,
noise measurements of this heavy traffic area are carried out initially.

Figure 19. Project Location and Measurement Area Sattelite View

On the 3rd March 2017, at 07:00 – 19:00, 19:00 – 23:00 and 23:00 – 07:00
respectively, A-weighted equivalent noise level – Leq’ measurements have been
carried out in a single spot around the project site, at three different time periods, for
five minutes. Measurement location is given below.

62
 Figure 20 Image from Measured Position

Equipments used during measurement:

• NTI Audio XL_2 Hand Analyzer (IEC 61672-1 Electroacoustics )
(SNo.A2A-05241—E0,FW3.03)
• NTI Audio MA220 Type 1 Measurement Microphone (User calibrated 2016-
08-23 07:00)
• Norsonic type 1251 Sound Calibrator
• Mic Sensitivty: 22.9mV/Pa
• Range : 30 – 130dB .

On the day of the measurement, the existing weather conditions were recorded as
rainy and between 7 to 15 degrees celsius. Humidity ratio was %76, wind were at
3km/hr. A graph has been provided below with more detailed information on the
weather conditions.

63
 Figure 21 Weather Conditions in Measuremets Day
Noise measurements have been carried out on a single spot along the main road edge,
which is the project boundary, at three different time periods, for five minutes to
determine the road emission capacity correctly. Measurement results are as follows:

Lday results of the measurement:

Figure 22 Lday Garphic of Measurement Results

64
 Figure 23 Lday results of the measurement

Lday measurement result was measured as 78.9 dB (A). Once the results have been
assessed, the highest noise level have been observed to be 89.2dB(A.

Levening results of the measurement:

Figure 24 Levening Garphic of Measurement Results

Figure 25 Levening Results Of The Measurement

Levening measurement result was measured as 77.5 dB. Once the results have been
assessed, the highest noise level have been observed to be 86.6 dB(A).

65
Lnight results of the measurement:

Figure 26 Lnight Garphic of Measurement Results

Figure 27 Lnight results of the measurement

Lnight measurement result was measured as 77.6 dB. Once the results have been
assessed, the highest noise level have been observed to be 84.6dB(A)..

4.1.2 Noise Simulation

For the noise simulation, firstly, three dimensional modelling of the building and its
surroundings has been performed in the noise analysis simulation software. When
modelling, ground height curves and topography have been transferred from the
Google Maps programme. The satellite view was taken of the field at a height of
approximately 810m and transferred to the programme. (This modelling has ±30cm
tolerance.)

66
 Figure 28 Satellite Image of Noise Analysis Zone

4.1.2.1 Modelling the Field and Its Surrounding Structures

Modeled in the SoundPlan noise analysis software, the three-dimensional model's

view on the terrain and the plan view are as follows. Components such as buildings,
land heights, highways and bridges have been modelled roughly for it being an
industrial package software. When carrying out noise mapping on large areas, the
positions and heights of the buildings are entered the software approximately. Zoning
plan is taken from the municipality for the field where noise mapping is to be carried
out. According to the plan, the heights and positions of the buildings are obtained
correctly. The relationship between the building's surroundings and the constructions
is as shown in figure 28.

Figure 29 Simulation Model Of Noise Analysis

67
 Figure 30 Noise Analysis Simulation Model Plan View

4.1.2.2 Facade Receiver Layouts and Features

Identification of needed sound receivers in noise alalysis software is important for

interpretation of the results. The building surfaces that are faceing the highways will
be the reference for interpretion of result. The receivers were placed on the three
facedes that shown in figure 29. On the other hand shown in Figure 30, each receiver
on facede represent a floor.

Types and positioning of the receivers are as follows:

1th receiver point is 150 m high (A-1, B-1, C-1)

2th receiver point is 450m high ( (A-2, B-2, C-2)

3th receiver point is 750 m high ( (A-3, B-3, C-3)

4th receiver point is 1050 m high ( (A-3, B-3, C-3)

68
Facade Noise Receivers: For the measurement of sound pressure levels on the
surfaces of the facades, receivers are assigned at each floor according to the
Environmental Hazard Assessment and Management Regulation. These receivers are
assigned to be at a distance of 3m from the facade of the building. The reason for this
is to prevent the frontal reflections from being recalculated at the receiver points.

Figure 31 Figure of noise receivers in front of building

As well as the receiver points shown below on the plan, noise reflections from the
surrounding buildings have also been studied. To check the noise from the highway,
together with its reflections from the surrounding buildings, noise mapping has been
done along the area indicated red on the image below.

Figure 32 Demonstration of Grid Noise Map Limits on a Plan

69
 A

Figure 33 Facade Noise Receiver Points

The sound pressure levels corresponding to each floor obtained from the simulation
are given in Table 15. The noise maps obtained are given in Appendix 1.

Table 16. Sound Pressure Levels on Each Floor

dB(A)
Ld Le Ln Lden
Zemin 63.3 61.9 62.1 68.6
CEPHESİ

1. Kat 63.0 61.6 61.8 68.3

A

2. Kat 62.5 61.2 61.3 67.8

3. Kat 62.1 60.7 60.8 67.4
B CEPHESİ

Zemin 58.8 57.5 57.7 64.2

1. Kat 59.5 58.2 58.4 64.9
2. Kat 59.9 58.5 58.7 65.2
3. Kat 59.7 58.4 58.5 65.0
Zemin 59.8 58.7 59.0 65.4
CEPHESİ

1. Kat 60.3 59.0 59.2 65.7

C

2. Kat 60.3 59.0 59.2 65.7

3. Kat 60.3 59.0 59.1 65.6

70
4.1.3 Results of Simulation

In conseration of the simulation results and the emission measurements made along
the highway, the highest sound pressure level on the building has been taken as
63.3dB(A). In order to determine the acceptable noise level inside a room, the
dimension of the glass on the facade (5m2) has been entered, and the minimum
preferred Rw value (Weighted Sound Reduction Index) on the glass has been
reached. The preferred noise level with the glass panels closed, is given to be 35dB
by the Standards (see Table 2). The noise level inside the room would be 25 dB when
the glass Rw value is minimum 41dB.

Figure 34 Required RW value for facede

71
4.2 Building Noise Control

In the previous section, a peripheral noise map for the highway has been generated,
outside noise levels have been found and the sound insulation value of the building
has been determined. The facade detail with this insulation value has been created via
Insul and given below.

Noise forming inside a building among its rooms must also be controlled, as well as
the noise from without the building. It has already been stated that when carrying out
building noise analysis, space types inside a building and their respective requiremets
should firstly be determined. While determining these requirements during the
acoustical assessment of Konak Municipality Service Building, sound interactions
among the rooms have been defined as Weighted Standardised Level Difference –
DnTw, therefore; the specific requirements of each type of room have been decided.
Descriptions used to identify the different types of spaces are shown below:

4.2.1 Space Types

Assembly meeting room: Meeting area for special

purpose
Dining Hall / Cuisine: All food and service areas

Gallery Space: For examining the vertical axis voice

Auction and Council room : Special purpose
collection area
Offices : All open and closed offices
Technical Room: All fields including mechanical
receptacles and equipment (for examining sound
passages of mechanical units)

General service area: washbasins, toilets

Special Service Area :Archives, terraces, tea stoves

Shaft: Shaft blanks (for examination of vertical axis
voice transitions)
Elavator: elevator gaps (for examining the vertical
axis voice transitions)
Corridors: All circulation areas
Stairs: Stairways
Parking : All car parks
Storage Areas: Shelters and depots

72
Positions of the plan types categorised for requirements on the project, and their
relations with each other, are given below via SONarchitect, the building noise
analysis software. While the adjacency relations of the volumes were being
reviewed, attention was paid for the mechanic volumes not to be adjacent to the
volumes that will be required to be sensitive in terms of noise as it is indicated before
and if so the wall type to be determined and baffle gaps to be created in between.

Figure 35 2. Basement floor space types.

Figure 36 1. Basement floor space types.

Figure 37 Ground floor space types.

73
Figure 38 First floor space types.

Figure 39 Second floor space types.

Figure 40 Third floor space types.

74
4.2.2 Weighted Standardised Level Difference

In the previous section; The air-born sound reduction index values between the
rooms created, and the definitions used, are determined in accordance with the ISO
standards. Below are given the neighboring rooms and their standardised level
differences required for their room types.

Table 17. Weighted Standardised Level Difference of Rooms

DnTw Değeri
Adjacent Areas (dB)
Assembly meeting room Special Service Area 40
Gallery space 40
Corridors 40
Auction and Council room : Offices 35
Dining Hall 50
Corridors 40
Offices 35
Shaft 40
Technical volume 50
Stairs 45
Offices Dining Hall 50
Corridors 35
General service area 40
Special Service Area 40
Gallery space 35
Dining Hall Corridors 35
Gallery space 35
Technical volume Shaft 50
General service area 50
Parking 50
Corridors 50
General service area Shaft 50
Stairs 40
Corridors 40
Special Service Area Corridors 40
Stairs 40
Shaft 40
Gallery space 40
Parking 40
Storage Areas 35
Stairs 40
Elavator 40
Shaft Shaft 40
Corridors 40
Elavator Corridors 50
Stairs 50
Corridors Parking 35
Stairs 50
Stairs Parking 45
Storage Areas 35
Parking Storage Areas 40
Elavator 40
Storage Areas Corridors 35
Shaft 35
General service area 30

75
4.2.3 Types of Wall

The sound reduction index of inter-location constructional components are identified

according to the inter-location sound level difference indicated above. While
identifying the sound reduction index of the construction elements, it has been
demanded that it is +3 dB higher than the necessary DnTw values between room
types. The technical details of wall typess used are shown in order below.

Figure 41 20 cm Brick Wall Detay and Criterion

Figure 42 10 cm Brick Wall Detay and

Criterion

76
Figure 43 15 cm Brick Wall Detay Criterion

Figure 44 30 cm Concrete Wall Detay Criterion

Figure 45 20+10+20 System Detay Criterion

Figure 46 34mm Glass Wall Detay Criterion

77
 Figure 47 20+10+30 SystemWall Detay and Criterions

4.2.4 Locations of the Types of Walls on the Project

The types of walls with the necessary sound reduction values are located on the
project as shown by the images below, together with the legend concerning the
colours of the types of walls.

10 mm firebrick

150 mm firebrick

200 mm firebrick

300mm reinforced concrete wall

38mm duplex laminated glass

200 mm brick + 100mm space + 200mm firebrick

300mm reinforced concrete wall+ 100mm space+ 200mm

firebrick

78
Figure 48 2.Basement Wall Plan

Figure 49 1. Basement Wall Plan

Figure 50 Ground Floor Wall Plan

79
Figure 51 1. Floor Wall Plan

Figure 52 2. Floor Wall Plan

Figure 53 3. Floor Wall Plan

80
4.2.5 Building Acoustics Similation Results

After the necessary wall, flooring, tiling, door and window details are transferred to
the acoustic simulation model, results are obtained via the SONarchitect building
noise simulation programme. The programme analyzes each room with its
surrounding rooms, seperation elements and junction points, and decides whether the
absorption values are sufficient. Below are given location assessment target values
and results table of some sample acoustically significant types of spaces.

Table 18. Weighted Standardised Level Difference of Rooms and Project Result
Values

Results
Source Room Type- Receiver Room Type- Required DNTW
Rw
Room Code Room Code Value
Value
Auction and Council
Corridor-142 40db 42 db
room -145
Auction and Council
Office-144 35 db 57 db
room -145
Auction and Council
Dining Hall -141 50 db 57 db
room -145
Assembly meeting
Gallery Space -215 40 db 72 db
room -216
Assembly meeting
Corridor -209 40 db 50 db
room -216
Gallery Space -112 Office -131 35 db 55 db
General service area -
Office -155 40 db 59 db
154
Corridor -142 Office -143 35 db 46 db
Stairs -147 Office -143 45 db 70 db
General service area - Office -173 40 db 53 db
164
Office -139 Office -143 35 db 60 db
Shaft -171 Office -173 40 db 81 db
Technical volume -32 Office -33 50 db 51 db
Dining Hall -141 Office -144 50 db 64 db
Stairs -50 Parking -35 45 db 77 db
Corridors -19 Parking -35 35 db 61 db
Technical volume -44 Parking -35 50 db 64 db
Technical volume -32 General service area 50 db 57 db
-29
Technical volume -32 Corridors -19 50 db 56 db
Technical volume -32 Shaft -28 50 db 62 db
Elavator -22 Shaft -24 40 db 54 db

81
As seen above, the walls of the critical room types, whose location codes are given
beside them, are designed to respond to the necessary values. Both air-born and
solid-born building noise control is facilitated between rooms. The D NTW value
required to be present between some sample location coded volumes, and the Rw
value of the generated wall type detail, do not have close values. The reason for that
is that, a different type of wall room with same function but different location code
had been used in the current project. The reason for this is that in the current project,
a different type of wall had been used in a volume with the same function but a
different location code. For example, the seperator elements between office and
office rooms are glass walls in some instances, and 20cm brick walls in others. As
long as the types of walls of the current project complies with the required DNTW
value, and since minimum intervention on the project is wanted, the sound
transmission value of the 20cm brick wall on the office and office seperator
elements, would be higher compared to the DNTW value. Yet, at no point of the
project, it is adjusted so that it never falls below the DNTW values specified by ISO.

The results for inter-location air-born sound insulation measurement, whose table has
been given above, are provided in Appendix-2.

82
4.3 Room Acoustic

This section covers the acoustical design of open office spaces between 2.49 - 2.59
Area Codes planned within Konak Municipality Services Building. The design
results were obtained using the industry standard Odeon 14.02 Auditorium software.

The software, which has been recognized to be highly practical and accurate in
evaluating the acoustical conditions of a room in full condition, and offering
improvement recommendations if necessary; provides us with parameter values
which can not be obtained by actual on-site measurement with the present
possibilities. [5]

The aforementioned acoustical design, will define the interior surface materials and
placements suitable for the acoustical conditions of the offices in the direction of
their intended use, according to the results obtained from the simulation.

In this section, an acoustical simulation will be carried out based on the current
situation. Later, improvement proposals will be introduced before remaking the
simulation, and finally, the results will be compared.

4.3.1 Making Simulation Model of Open Plan Offices Layout

Simulation method is a preferred method today because it facilitates gathering

acoustical information at designated receiver points, hence, enables one to see
acoustic results of various alternative designs before construction by simulating the
sound phenomenons that can occur in a room modeled in the computer environment.

The simulation model for the Odeon progamme is based on the acoustic parameters
of a real open-plan office, and is modelled in order to recreate the sound definition in
a room. On an area which is designed on a 1/1 scale, every surface that may cause
echoing and absorption of sound should be drawn. This includes floor, walls, ceiling
as well as seating areas, desks, dividing separators, and even the number of people
who will use the area. Additionally, each surface made of a different material should
be transferred to the programme under a different layer.

As examples, the plan of the open office area on the project where volume acoustics
simulation is to be carried out and the 3D simulation model are given below.

83
 Figure 54 Plan of a Sample Open-Office Area

Figure 55 Perspective Drawing of Acoustic Simulation Model

The office space, which is the subject of the study, has been modeled in a CAD
programme and transferred to Odeon with a par. extension. As indicated in the
manual of the simulation programme, the room is modeled as a general overview
with minimum detail.

84
The natural lighting property of glass facades designed to provide maximum energy
efficiency forms the four major separating surfaces of our office space. The
following figure displays the glass application areas on the project.

Figure 56 Glass Wall Application Area

The main roof area, which is given as gross concrete in the current project, have been
left as open roof system in support of the light entering through the windows. The
concrete ceiling application areas of the project are shown below.

Figure 57 Concrete ceiling Application Area

85
Again, the column and beam system is designated as gross concrete in the current
project. Below are shown the column and beam application areas of the project.

Figure 58 Concrete Colounm and Beam Application Area

The dividing walls facing the entrance area of the project are plaster over a 22 cm
brick wall. The solid construction of these walls is important for breaking the
acoustic connection with another room. The brick wall application areas on the
project are shown below..

Figure 59 Brick Wall Application Area

86
 The cabinet areas at the back of the working areas are as in the figure. The
cabinet material in the current project is taken as plain MDF. Cabinets designed to be
120 cm in height are used as a separating agent in the improvement section to
prevent sound transmission. The application areas of cabinets in the project are
shown below..

Figure 60 MDF Shelves Application Area

Figure 61 Floor Material Application Area

The existing floor covering material is epoxy. Using epoxy flooring in open office
spaces is highly risky, due to the transmission of impact sounds and the continuous
rise of reverberation times. Epoxy flooring application areas are shown above.

87
The application areas of the desks and the separation elements between the desks in
the existing project are given below. The improvement proposal for the desks and the
separation material with reverberating properties will be given later.

Figure 62 Table Areas

Figure 63 Chair Areas

For acoustic simulation, the positioning of users of the office space in the
project, and the material absorptivity of the seating area are also very important.
Because the absorption values of an office filled varies substantially compared to an
empty office due to the sound absorption of the human factor. The users and their
movable chair areas are shown above.

88
The surface types planned to be present in the room in the current project, and their
absorption ratios are as follows:

Table 19. Sound Absorption Cofficient of All Surfaces

Material Type Sound Absorption Cofficient, α

125Hz 250Hz 500Hz 1000Hz 2000Hz 4000H

z

Wall Glass 0.35 0.25 0.18 0.12 0.07 0.04

Wall Brick Wall 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.03

Column- Gross Concrete 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05

Beam
Ceiling Gross Concrete 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.02 0.05 0.05

Flooring Epoxy 0.15 0.12 0.11 0.10 0.07 0.08

Cupboard MDF 0.19 0.14 0.09 0.06 0.06 0.05

Table MDF 0.19 0.14 0.09 0.06 0.06 0.05

Chair Textile 0.16 0.24 0.56 0.69 .081 0.78

Upholstered
Wooden

4.3.2 Backround Noise Criterion

As mentioned above, there are continuous sources of noise on the background which
must remain in the room. If the noise levels of these sources of noise are high, they
should be adjusted either by reducing according to the ANSI standards, as explained
in the Building Noise Control Section; or by creating artificial noise with a sound
masking system.

The noise criterion step of the room acoustics simulation section of our current
project is based on the indoor noise level limit values required for office areas
according to the Environmental Hazard Assessment and Management Regulation;
and the NC 35 chart has been applied according to ANSI. The calculation parameters
are under the engineering option. The number of rays to be used in the scan is 10,000
and the scattering method is designated as 'Lambert'. The maximum number of
reflections of the beam is 1129, the duration is 1500, and the reflection grade of the
virtual sources is 2..

89
The NC 35 noise criterion value taken as a basis is as in the table below:

Table 20. NC 35– Noise Criterion Curve

NC 35

Oktav Bandı Merkez

63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
Frekansı (Hz)

Ses Basınç Seviyesi SPL

60 52 45 40 36 34 33 32
(dB)

4.3.3 Determination Of Source -Receiver Points

While determining the sound source and the receiver point in the acoustic simulation
programme for the open-plan office space, receivers are positioned as on the
workstations to ensure that the results are close to reality. Care must be taken to
ensure that the receivers are not too close to each other, reflective surfaces or sound
sources. Each receiver group is associated with a source and each group must have at
least 4 receivers. Preferably 6 to 10 of them could be placed on a line. [27]

The distance of the farthest receiver to the source depends on the size of the office
area, but Odeon automatically uses receivers between 2 and 16 meters when
determining the spatial decay rate of the talk. The height of the receivers is referred
to as the height of the ear on a seated position, which is 1.2 m from the floor. Raised
natural is used as the sound source. The source (red point) – receiver (blue points)
placement in the sample area is as follows.

Figure 64 Sources Receiver Points

90
4.3.4 Simulation Resuls of Current Project

In this section, the graphical and grid results of the acoustic parameters used for
open-plan offices given in Chapter 2 of the research will be examined. To summarize
the acoustical design criteria mentioned in Part 2 on a table, the acoustic parameter
values required for our open plan office space should be as follows:.

Table 21. Open Office Acoustic Design Criterion

Parameter Design Criteria

T30 < 0.8
T20 < 0.8
EDT < 0.8
D50 ≥ 0.5
STI ≥ 0.6
U ≥ -6 db
DL2 ≥ 3.5 dB

According to this, detailed simulation results of the current project are as follows:.

91
4.3.4.1 Reverberation time, T30

The T30 average in the 125 Hz to 4000 Hz octave bands is 1.34 seconds. The
frequency distribution of T20 values measured at the receiver points is given below.
The graph is obtained by averaging the values obtained at all the receiver points

Table 22. Open Plan Office T30 Results

Frekans 63 8000
(Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
T20 (s) 1.00 1.00 1.25 1.38 1.50 1.59 1.35 0.85

Figure 65 Graphic Of Frequency for T30

Figure 66 T30 Grid Map @1000Hz

92
In accordance to the simulation result of the existing status; as it is seen based on the
result of the graphic of T30 resonance time (figure 63), it is seen that there is a leap
from 1 second to 1,6 seconds in 1000 – 5000 frequency range which is the medium
frequency range that the human ear can perceive the best. The curve not going in a
straight acceleration and big differences between the frequencies will not be
perceived positively by the human ear. So, this means it is a negative result in terms
of acoustics.

On the other hand, when we review the T30 dispersion grid (figure 64), regional
differences are in evidence. It is seen that the reflections are more and longer in some
spaces. Simulation results that do not have a dispersion grid that is close to a
homogenous structure, causes negative results in terms of auditory comfort.
Therefore, for the simulation result of the existing situation in question, it is seen that
the T30 design parameter show negative results due to the leaps it has in the basis of
frequencies and also it is in a much higher value than the determined design criteria.

93
4.3.4.2 Reverberation Time, T20

The T20 average in the speech range of 125Hz - 4000Hz octave bands is 1.37
seconds. The frequency distribution of T20 values measured at the receiver points is
given below. The graph is obtained by averaging the values obtained from all the
receiver points.

Table 23. Open Plan Office T20 Results

Frekans 63 8000
(Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
T20 (s) 1.05 1.07 1.30 1.39 1.50 1.58 1.39 0.83

Figure 67 Graphic of Frequency for T20

Figure 68 T20 Grid Map @1000Hz

94
The T20 graphic (Figure 65) of the existing situation’s simulation result has uneven
second differences between the frequencies as it was mentioned in the previous
section. Moreover, the average T20 time of the graphic is at a much higher level than
the required design criteria. In addition to this, it is seen that the dispersion grid of
the T20 (Figure 66) in 1000hz has results similar to the one above. The leaps that are
seen in the dispersion in the single frequency basis shows that the T20 design criteria
has also given a negative result.

95
4.3.4.3 Reverberation Time, EDT

The average EDT in the speech range of 125Hz - 4000Hz octave bands is 1.54
seconds. The frequency distribution of EDT values measured at the receiver points is
given below. The graph is obtained by averaging the values gathered at all the
receiver points.

Table 24. Open Plan Office EDT Results

Frekans 63 8000
(Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
T20 (s) 1.15 1.15 1.43 1.58 1.79 1.78 1.52 0.98

Figure 69 Graphic Of Frequency for EDT

Figure 70 EDT Grid Map @1000Hz

96
The average EDT time in the graphic has unstable sec diffecences amnong
frequencies, plus its expected early reverbation is observed in very high level as it is
mentioned in simulation result of current EDT graph (Figure 67) on 4.3.4.1. Beside
all that, EDT’s distribution map of 1000hz (Figure 68) gives us a similar result as
mantioned above. In the current simulation programme, reverbation’s high results far
from the main voice source and in an opposite area, proves that sonic vawes could
pass from vast spaces on continuing structures such as, solid wall, floor and ceilings.
Beyond all that, the leaps detected on voice distribution map is another proof that the
EDT design metric has given a negative result.

97
4.3.4.4 Defination, D50

At 125Hz – 4000Hz octave bands, the D50 value is 0.30 and the distribution graphs
are shown below

Table 25. Open Office D50 Results

Frekans 63 8000
(Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
D50 (s) 0.35 0.34 0.30 0.28 0.25 0.25 0.30 0.35

Figure 71 Graphic Of Frequency for D50

Figure 72 D50 Grid Map @1000Hz

A according to the current result, as long as D50 design criteria had proper frequency
curve and homogeneus distribution, it is counted as negatively resulted because it is
ranked lower than the design result determined by literature.

98
4.3.4.5 Sound Transmission Index (STI)

The average STI value obtained in the audience space being 0.44, the distribution
map is given below.

Figure 73 STI Deflection Chart According to Distance

Figure 74 STI Grid Map @1000Hz

According to current situation’s simulation results from STI graph (Figure 71), the
distance of the receiver situated closest to the source (R1) is 1.6 mt. The speech
recognition value for R1 is 0.55. Thus even the closest receiver is given the lover
values according to the expected design criteria. In this context, two speaker’s
interaction in terms of metric scale, is weak and acoustic performance is considered
negative.

99
4.3.4.6 Signal to Noise Ratio (U)

At 63Hz – 8000Hz octave bands, the Signal to Noise Ratio (U) value is -12.27.
Distribution graphics are given in the tables and figures below.

Table 26. Open Office U Results

Frekans (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

D50 (s) -24 -17 -9 -7.5 -7.9 -8.5 -9.3 -15

Figure 75 Graphic of Frequency for U50

Figure 76 U50 Grid Map @1000Hz

In terms of speech camouflage, the current simulation’s signal to noise ratio is

reached at satisfying level. But it is mentioned before that, in ofice scales as the
speech secreting process occuring, in close distances speech should be
understendable either. For that reason the signal to noise ratio is reached to higher
level than expected design criteria.

100
4.3.4.7 Rate Of Spatial Decay DL2

The DL2 values being 2.93, the distribution graphs according to the receiver, are
given on the chart below.

Table 27. Open Office DL2 Results

Frekans (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

DL2 3.73 3.68 3.28 3.02 2.84 2.87 3.14 3.82

Figure 77 DL2 Ditribution Graphs According to Receivers

When the simulation results of the current situation of the DL2 parameter that is
based on the decay rate per meter and examine the nature of speech among different
working groups,have been investgated it is seen that the value is 2.93 dB and this
value below the design criteria that is specified by litarature. This means that the
voices of two independent groups can easily reach each other and their speech is
clearly understood. But, this situation is not desirable in open office spaces.

As shown in the graphics, grid and tables of the simulation results, open-space area
with sustainable content in the current situation does not conform to the parameters
required in terms of acoustics, also the reverberation times raise at the speech
frequency intervals. This, in turn, proves unsuccesful in a space where the main aim
is to communicate effectively.

101
4.3.5 Improvement Proposals And Acoustic Results Using Sustainable
Materials

As we have seen in the simulation of the present situation of the project to be carried
out, it may be extremely difficult to work in office areas built with natural materials
with the aim of sustainability. According to research, one-third of occupational
diseases are caused by noise and this situation can be overcome by simple
sustainable materials.
In this section, measures will be taken to improve the acoustic parameters of the
sample office area and the results will be analyzed.
First, the cabinet areas between the working groups, which had previously been 120
cm, will be increased to 165 cm and thus; the direct voice transmission at the ear
level will be reduced. In addition, books can be used instead of the front cover of the
cabinets, to exploit their absorbtion value. While some of the sound would be
scattrered and diverted from its original direction after hitting the bookshlef, the rest
would be faded between the air and the pages of the books. This will create a simple
sound barrier effect for the office space. The application areas of the libraries to be
used in this way are shown below.

Figure 78 Bookshelf Application Area

The second step would be replacing the materials of visual seperators between desks.
Although these are relatively small surfaces on their own, collectively their total area
would be sufficient to reduce reverberation times, provided they are designed with an
absorber material. An example of this is woodwool, which is sustainable, natural and
absorbent. The application area between work tables is shown below.

102
 Figure 79 Seperator Application Area
The last application would be the installation of acoustically absorbent materials on
the ceiling over the work groups. In the current project, the exposed ceiling system
has been used, and as mentioned before, this large uninterrupted reflective area
creates long reverberation times and a whispering wall effect. In order to prevent
this, the sustainable and absorbent material woodwool, which has also been used
between desks; would be covered in mineral wool and mounted to the ceiling with.
Therefore, high cost and material wastage would be prevented by using the same
type of absorbent material. Size and location of the panels are adaptable according to
the interior design, and it has been shown by the results of acoustical measurements
that, in total, 160 m2 of panels would be needed for the sample office area. The
panels should be distributed according to the location of over the work groups. The
woodwool application to the ceiling would be as follows:

Figure 80 Ceiling Panel Application Area

103
The absorption index of the applied materials are as in the following table:

Table 28. Sound Absorption Index of All Surfaces

Sound absorbtion cofficient, α

Types of Materials 125Hz 4000H
250Hz 500Hz 1000Hz 2000Hz
z
Woodwool without
separater 0.13 0.26 0.31 0.29 0.34 0.40
mineral wool
Woodwool with
Ceiling 0.58 0.90 0.85 0.70 0.58 0.81
mineral wool

Bookshelves woodp 0.40 0.30 0.20 0.17 0.15 0.10

The results of the new acoustic simulation, which is the result of changing materials,
are given in detail below.

104
4.3.5.1 Reverberation Time, T30

The T30 average at 125Hz – 4000 Hz octave bands, which is the speech range, is
0.63 seconds. The frequency distribution of T20 values measured at the receiver
points is given below. The graph is created by averaging the values obtained at all
the receiver points.

Table 29. Open Office T30 Results

Frekans 63 8000
(Hz) 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000
T20 (s) 0.54 0.54 0.57 0.68 0.62 0.70 0.72 0.54

Figure 81 T30 Frequency Graph

Figure 82 T30 Grid Map @1000Hz

105
Looking at the result graphich of simulation T30 (Figure 79) after the proposal of
sound amplification, 30db reduction, which is high figure compared in volume, has
lovered the ringing time as well. In this manner, T30 time is reached the expected
design metric and the high second differences among frequencies are all eleminated.
By checking the voice distribution map of 1000 hz frequency (Figure 80), it is
detected that the distribution between receiver and source among 0.80 and 0.46
seconds is sufficiently balanced. According to that information, the proposals for
solving the problem are taken T30 timing under the control and succesfully
actualized.

106
4.3.5.2 Reverberation Time, T20

The T20 average at 125Hz – 4000 Hz octave bands, which is the speech range, is
0.73 seconds. The frequency distribution of T20 values measured at the receiver
points is given below. The graph is created by averaging the values obtained at all
the receiver points.

Table 30. Open Plan Office T20 Results

Frekans (Hz) 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

T20 (S) 0.55 0.55 0.65 0.77 0.81 0.86 0.79 0.55

Figure 83 T20 Frequency Graph

Figure 84 T20 Grid Map @1000Hz

107
Checking at the result graphic of applied simulation’s T20 (Figure 81), the T20
timing which is found high acording to the design criteria is detected lover and
acceptable under reasonable levels. Besides all that, the wavy frequency curve
detected at the figure 65 under the headline of 4.3.4.2 is impoved and stabilized. The
high second differences among frequencies are all disappeared. When the figure 82 is
examined, there is a balanced distribution between source and receiver is sighted.
According to that information, the proposals for solving the problem are taken T32
timing under the control and succesfully realized.

108
4.3.5.3 Reverberation Time, EDT

The EDT average at 125Hz – 4000Hz octave bands, which is the speech range, is
0.66 seconds. The frequency distribution of EDT values measured at the receiver
points is given below. The graph is created by averaging the values obtained at all
the receiver points.

Table 31. Open Plan Office EDT Results

Frekans 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

(Hz)
D50 (s) 0.64 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.58 0.60 0.65 0.76

Figure 85 EDT Frequency Graph

Figure 86 EDT Grid Map @1000Hz

109
The Early Decay Time which could be defined as the identifier of the first reflections,
is dropped to the expected level as in T20 and T30 parameters under the terms of
literature and reasonable levels. Besides all that, EDT design criteria’s improvement
proposal is counted succesfull in terms of showing us a linear and balanced
distrubution map.

110
4.3.5.4 Defination, D50

125Hz – 4000Hz octave bands, the D50 value is 0.63 and the distribution graphs are
given below.

Table 32. Open Plan Office D50 Results

Frekans 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

(Hz)
EDT (s) 0.64 0.63 0.64 0.62 0.58 0.60 0.65 0.76

Figure 87 D50 Frequency Graph

Figure 88 D50 Grid Map @1000Hz

The D50 parameter which is observed lower than design criteria, is reached the
expected level with the help of improvement suggestion, which could be counted as
succesfully actualized

111
4.3.5.5 Sound Transmission Index (STI)

The average STI value obtained inside the audience space being 0.66, the distribution
map is given below.

Figure 89 STI Grid Map @1000Hz

Figure 90 STI – Speech Transmission Distortion Graph According to Distance

According to the STI graph (Figure 88) coming from improvement simulation
results, on the receiver closer to the source (R1), speech recongition level is reached
to average 0.55 to 0.67 sec. The current state shows that, the speakers interaction,
within receivers with his/her two meters radius, is reached to a better level and the
acoustic performance could be counted as succesfull.

112
4.3.5.6 Signal to Noise Ratio (U)

At 63Hz – 8000Hz octave bands The Signal to Noise Ratio (U) value is -5.65.
Distribution graphics are given below.

Table 33. Open Plan Office U Results

Frekans 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

(Hz)
U50 (s) -20 -12.8 -3.7 1.4 1.1 0.7 -2.2 -9.7

Figure 91 U50 Frequency Graph

Figure 92 U50 Grid Map @1000Hz

113
4.3.5.7 Rate Of Spatial Decay DL2

The DL2 value inside the office area is 6.20. Distribution according to receivers are
given below.

Table 34. Open Office DL2 Results

Frekans 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000

(Hz)
DL2 X 6.06 6.03 6.60 6.03 5.50 6.21 6.95

Figure 93 DL2 Adistribution Graohşcs According to Receivers

When the simulation results of the improvement proposal of the DL2 parameter are
examined, it is seen that the value is 5.26 dB and it satisfies the design criteria that
determined by litarature. .

114
4.3.6 Comparison of Acoustic Parameters

As seen in the acoustic simulation results of the open office sample, while the
existing reverberation times and other acoustic parameters are quite negative,
acoustically healthy workspace conditions are created by simple and sustainable
solutions. Below the acoustic condition parameters that are present and which have
been proposed for improvement are given comparatively for the sample room.

Table 35. Open Plan Office Vomparative Acoustic Simulation Results

Parameter Design Criteria Simulation Result of Improvement

Current Situation Suggestion Simulation
Result
T30 < 0.8 1.34s 0.63s
T20 < 0.8 1.37s 0.73s
EDT < 0.8 1.54s 0.73s
D50 ≥ 0.5 0.30s 0.63s
STI ≥ 0.6 0.44s 0.66s
U ≥ -6 db -12,27db -5,65db
DL2 ≥ 3.5 dB 2.93db 6.20db

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 CHAPTER FIVE
DISCUSSION

The importance of the phenomenons of sound and noise, which are amongst the
crucial aspects of health and comfort, especilly with regards to working
environments where we spend most of our lives, is failed to be addressed sufficiently
in the Leed and Breeam certificates; which aim to facilitate the interaction of people
with nature in the most efficient way, increase the productivity of them by protecting
their wellbeing, and reducing possible negative environmental effects. The reasons
for this conclusion can be summarized comparatively in the table below.

Table 36. Comparative Results of Open Office Requirements

Acoustic Requirements for Workspaces LEED BREEAM SBTool Guideline

Criteria Criteria Criteria Proposal
Environmental Location noise
Noise Control measurement and
Requirements analysis prerequisites
Requirements Determination of
for Building Sound Reduction Index
Noise Control (RW) of facade
elements
Determining the Target
Values (DNTW)
Between Spaces

Creating the Wall and

Floor Details That Will
Meet the Target Values

Providing Vibration
Control in Mechanical
Volumes and Elements

Room Acoustics Adjusting Noise

Requirements Criterion (NC)

116
 Determination of Early
Decay Time (EDT)
design measures
Determination of T20
design measures
Determination of T30
design measures

Determination of RT60
design measures
Clarity of speech
(D50)
Speech Transmission
Index (STI)
Facilitating speech
privacy in open office
area
Determination of the
rate of spatial decay
(DL2)
Determination of
material absorption
values according to
criteria
1 3 credits Between
credits -1 and 5
point

According to the table above, the first step of noise control called; “environmental
noice control”, it is not asked as a prerequisity or restriction for office buildings in
Leed, Breeam and Sbtool certificate programmes. In other words, when the
environmental noise level is unknown, although the noise reduction parameter
criterias for the construction elements used on façade are already determined, the

117
required acoustic efficiency may not be met. Besides all that, in leed, bream and
sbtool, there is no article that states the noise conductivity parameter for construction
elements. There is only an evaluation for the structure seperator elements for spaces
and it only evaluates the noise passage performance without evaluating DNTW value
that explains the passage between spaces, that could be concerned as it is evaluated
with a general value. This evaluation tells us that; in each building the same noise
level occurs and these same performing spaces are situated at the same points.
Selection of facade elements without conducting environmental noise measurement,
inter-building noise organisation, or creating a buffer zone between noisy and silent
rooms; leaves all of the noise burden to the sound reduction values of the main
building components. This may increase the cost, as well as result in an acoustically
unsuccessful environment.

Another phase of noice control is that, mechanical elements noise control is criticised
only by SBTool programme. According to the figure, when the office buildings are
discussed, Leed and Bream (they ignore vibration control) have no criteria for noise
bridges from air inlets or anything about blocking solid-reasoned noise on mechanic
volumes. However, on solid-reasoned noise transmission, without vibration and
impact noise conduction preventor materials made from rubber and silicone, the
seperating constraction material’s noise reduction ability won’t be sufficient
enough.In fact, these phenomena constitute the foundation stone of a work area being
affected by noise.
When office scale is concerned, it is found that, on the background noise criteria
research, which is the keystone of volume acoustic, is examined by all above
mentioned certificate programmes. But among all resonance timing parameters
which are EDT, T20, T30 and RT60, only RT60 parameter is entered LEED and
BREEAM certification system’s evaluation criterias. As it is mentioned before, when
the resonance timing is to be measured with RT60, it may not give actual results for
the tested volume area. The examination of the time curve for only the first 60
decibels of sound reduction would cause one to misinterpret the overall volume by
ignoring the importance of the initial reflections in the human ear. For this reason, it
is more important to examine the first reflection curves and to obtain specific results.
On the other hand, checking back the BREEAM resonance timing requirements on
page 33, figure 8, we remember that it is not performing reasonable results according

118
to acoustic context. According to Breeam, if it is expected to have speech in a 50
squaremeter volume, the resonance timing would be 0.4 which could be considered
as a reasonable level. But for the same volume of space, it is explained that, if the
function is about the music the same resonance timing should be 1 second. In a such
small volume for a place, such a high level of noise resonance given by BREEAM is
a proof that their evaluation criteria is way more different that the ones in academic
researches. In LEED’s criteria as shown on figure 9 at page 43, for an open-plan
office structure, as a general result given such as; RT60 should be smaller than 0.8.
This value given without considering the size of volume is not considered reliable in
terms of academic approach. Because the volume of 60 m3 and 700 m3 areas may
not be expected to give the same results. In SBtool it is understood that it is not
covered in their evaluation.
For another volume acoustic criteria known as D50 parameter, it is not considered
useful or evaluated by any certification systems. If the parameters that defines
syllables relevance in speech are not considered important and added among
evaluation criterias for office based areas which includes speach, it may cause
negative results in terms of acoustic perspective. When we look at the speech
transmission index criteria, we see that this parameter is evaluated properly in terms
of academic approach by Leed and Bream. Unfortunately, SBTool as it is not
concerned for other acoustic parameters, do not evaluate this parameter either.
The speech privacy parameters such as DL2 and Speech Privacy criterias which are
considered highly important for open-office areas are not evaluated by any certificate
systems. Up to this line, even the RT60 let us reach reasonable values and results, if
the most important problems like speech clarity and speech subjectivity is not
uncovered or measured properly then all the work done untill this point will be for no
use. Because without a clear hearing of what is being spoken between the receiver
and the source at a distance of 2 meters, or hearing the sounds from neighboring
working groups after 2 meters too clearly or more than desirable, mean an
unsuccessful office space regardless of its infrastructure.
According to the table, the LEED, BREAM which examine the same criteria, and
SBTool Certifications that only examine the range of sound isolation along with
having a superficial approach to providing acoustical organisation of a building, also
cause the acoustics to be ignored by the low credits given in the scoring system.

119
 CHAPTER SIX
CONCLUSION:

AN ACOUSTIC COMFORT GUIDELINE FOR OPEN PLAN

OFFICE TYPE
In this study, firstly, acoustic performance parameters for an open office area and the
requirements for sustainability certificates are examined. Then, environmental noise
measurements were made in a sample office area within the scope of sustainability,
building noise control was provided accordingly, and finally, room acoustic
parameters of the open office area were calculated.
The results of the different simulations used during these implementation steps show
us that a sustainable office space not fulfilling acoustical requirements will produce
quite unsuccessful results in many aspects such as facade selection, noise control,
mechanical device vibration control, reverberation time, speech transmission and
speech privacy.
The guideline has been defined the necessary headings for the detailed examination
and the topics that observed to be missing are detailed. It has been observed that even
widely used assessment tools have various deficiencies. For example, important
values for open offices such as DL2, U50 are not included in assessment tools. In this
situation, the open plan office has incomplete and useless atmosphere. In addition,
important studies carried out in the international arena suggest that all the parameters
alone are not sufficient and should be evaluated together.
As a result, when the research is broadly examined, it is revealed that if a sustainable
open office space is to be acoustically highly productive and have a comfortble room
acoustic, the following steps must be taken:
1- Determination of noise measurements and design of noise maps during the design
phase of the project site
2- Design and orientation of the building according to building noise analysis
3- Determining the spaces that may create noise in the building and avoiding
bringing them together with rooms that have critical objectives in terms of silence
4- Application of buffer zones between mechanical or highly noisy rooms
5- Once the aforementioned precautions have been taken in terms of design;
determining the Weighted Standardised Level Difference, followed by selection and
application of building elements according to these target values

120
6- Staying within the Noise Criterion levels inside the office room
7- Using sound masking systems or taking measures such as covering the ventilation
pipes with acoustic material if the noise level is high
8- Compliance with the more current and appropriate reverberation time parameters
such as EDT and T20 for the open office area
9- Determination of the criteria of the speech parameters required for the venue and
selection of sustainable materials with suitable absorption value in order to provide
them
Within the scope of the study, while intending to raise awareness about the acoustics
and importance of acoustical requirements, acoustical aspects of sustainable building
certifications are also addressed.
In this study, calculating phases are determined by various simulation programmes.
The reason for this is that these simulations are the ones which gives more realistic
results and are also wery well known and accepted by academic environment. Plus,
at the definition phase of guideline proposal, these programmes are considered
within the framework of principal aplication step criteria. However without these
programmes, with the help of known formulas macros could be generated and all
calculations could be reach enough. On the other side, the calculations based on
emprical formulas could take long time but still may not give the expected results
close to reality, are not chosen to be applied in case study either.

In the light of created guidelines, when new office buildings are being evaluated:

• Environmental Noise control

• Building noise control

• Room acoustic

it was revealed that it should be examined in 3 main topics and the guideline that
prepared about this topic is expected to be a useful for users. On the other hand, It is
understood that the office building discussed with the help of the guideline will be
examined in detail from the acoustical direction.

121
The study explains that how to use the guideline on the example in detailed. Firstly,
the noise level of area was measured that be positioned in the open office area and
than it was ensured that the building was not affected by this noise. In the second
step, the properties of the separating building elements were determined so that the
noises inside the building did not pass through adjacent volumes and acoustically
strengthened measures have been taken. At the last step, the cabinets that are located
around the tables in the open office, is raised to prevent the sound waves from
passing the long openings, in order to ensure the appropriate acoustic comfort of the
open planned office examined. However, by increasing the sound absorption
coefficient of the dividing panels, it is possible to prevent the transmission of the
speech sound to the adjacent table. In addition to these, the absorption coefficient of
the materials in the volume needs to be rearranged. Because the reverberation time
parameter is higher than the limit values. Moreover, it has been observed that the
reverberation duration parameter alone is not an adequate evaluation parameter.

On different assessment tools, this guideline can be passed on gradually through the
three main titles that are betting. The preconditions and conditions that given in
guideline may have different score criteria.

Moreover, the scope of this study is focused on only the certificate programme’s
inadequacy on acoustic at office environment. Improvement of existing office
buildings may be the subject of future studies. Also, ıt is found that these above
mentioned certificate programmes are not searching their tasks sufficiently in terms
of variables for shopping malls, offices, residences or even at school complexes.
However, the draft proposal of guideline that helps us evaluate acoustic requirements
could be used in any other structure built for any purposes.

122
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APPENDIX 1 – Enviromental Noise Map

Figure 94 Lday Facade Noise Map

Figure 95 Levening Facade Noise Map

126
 Figure 96 Lnight Facade Noise Map

Figure 97 Lday Section View of Facade Noise Map

127
 Figure 98 LeveningSection View of Facade Noise Map

Figure 99 Lnight Section View of Facade Noise Map

128
Figure 100 Lday Gridal Noise Map

129
Figure 101 Levening Gridal Noise Map

130
Figure 102 Lnight Gridal Noise Map

131
 APPENDIX 2 – Sound Insulation Measurement Results Between Spaces

In the below, detailed examples of spaces are presented that are important according
to acoustic litarature.

Relationship Between Tender Hall–Corridor

132
Relationship Between Tender Hall–Office

133
Relationship Between Tender Hall–Restaurant

134
Relationship Between Council Meeting Room–Special Service Space

135
Relationship Between Council Meeting Room–Gallery Space

136
Relationship between Office–Gallery Space

137
Relationship between Office–General Service Space

138
Relationship between Office–Corridor

139
Relationship between Office–Stairway

140
Relationship between Office–Special Service Space

141
Relationship between Office–Office

142
Relationship between Office–Shaft

143
Relationship between Office–Technic Room

144
Relationship between Office–Restaurant

145
Relationship between Corridor–Parking area

146
Relationship between Stairway–Parking area

147
Relationship between Technic Room –Parking area

148
Relationship between Technic Room -General Services space

149
Relationship between Technic Room - Corridor

150
Relationship between Technic Room - Shaft

151