But doing acoustics right, it turns out, can be really expensive.
Mitigating the kind of noise restaurants can create isn't expensive. There's an off the shelf engineered solution that's been around for almost 70 years. Acoustic ceiling tiles. Restaurants are loud because acoustic ceiling tiles are out of fashion even though significantly less expensive than hard surfaces and exposed building services+structure if painted.[1] Though carpeting and upholstery help, acoustic treatment of the ceiling is the first line of noise mitigation. [2]
[1]: Among the most costly finishes are services and structures fabricated to aesthetic criteria.
[2]: The stylistic trend away from acoustic ceiling tile, carpets, and upholstery further erodes acoustic privacy in open offices.
Mitigating the kind of noise restaurants can create isn't expensive. There's an off the shelf engineered solution that's been around for almost 70 years. Acoustic ceiling tiles. Restaurants are loud because acoustic ceiling tiles are out of fashion even though significantly less expensive than hard surfaces and exposed building services+structure if painted.[1] Though carpeting and upholstery help, acoustic treatment of the ceiling is the first line of noise mitigation. [2]
[1]: Among the most costly finishes are services and structures fabricated to aesthetic criteria.
[2]: The stylistic trend away from acoustic ceiling tile, carpets, and upholstery further erodes acoustic privacy in open offices.