Toronto Broadcasting Centre Atrium Noise Study,
Canadian Broadcasting Centre, Toronto /
Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

situation:

The Canadian Broadcasting Centre (the corporation’s flagship) was undergoing renovations in its nine-storey atrium space. The atrium had long suffered complaints regarding its noisiness and communication-impeding acoustics. The renovations involved opening the ninth floor offices onto the atrium space. Open offices are acoustically sensitive spaces in which the risks of distractions are higher.

assessment:

The easy way out would have been a glass partition at the edge of the office to block atrium noise. However, the atrium is a symbolic centre of the building community and there was a strong desire to keep the area open to promote that work culture and sense of community. A more innovative approach was needed.

solution:

Aercoustics’ solution was to use the existing surfaces as noise mitigating obstacles to dampen the atrium noise before making it into the open office areas. Applying the same solution on all the floors was studied and the ensuing effect on the overall sound level in the atrium space was modeled. A 3D model of the space enabled us to generate studies on the effect of inserting sound absorbent sculptural pieces into the atrium.

results:

An adequate acoustic environment was achieved within the open office while still allowing for open access to the atrium space and letting in natural light.