Acoustics in Control Rooms: Standards-Compliant Sound Optimization for Modern Control Rooms

Our certified workplace experts provide comprehensive consulting on sound absorption, room acoustics, and standards-compliant implementation—ensuring sustainably improved working conditions. The goal of acoustic optimization is to support the safety and well-being of people in control centers through targeted measures.

Continuous improvements to ceilings and surrounding surfaces are essential to optimize room acoustics and thereby continuously enhance the working environment. Our customers include integrated control centers (ILS) equipped with state-of-the-art dispatch and communication technology.

The integration of acoustic ceilings, modern technology, and optimal lighting is essential to create a comfortable acoustic environment and a functional workspace for operators. Acoustic ceilings and specialized ceiling systems improve sound absorption, enable the integration of technical components, and ensure efficient communication.

Careful design of ceilings and surrounding areas plays a key role in improving working conditions and the well-being of personnel in control centers.

Why Is Acoustics So Important in Control Rooms?

Operators in control centers, monitoring facilities, and control rooms often work in 24/7 operations. Disturbing noise, reverberation, and poor speech intelligibility can:

• reduce concentration

• increase stress and fatigue

• cause communication errors

• lower overall workplace quality

An optimal sound level and targeted sound absorption at the workstation are crucial for improving operator communication and concentration.

By reducing noise levels and interrupting sound propagation—for example through sound-absorbing partitions or mobile acoustic screens between workstations—a calm and distraction-free environment can be created.

Acoustic measurements show that a target background noise level of 30–35 dB(A) is ideal for providing a comfortable working environment for operators.

Key Measures to Improve Acoustics in Control Centers

Important acoustic optimization measures include:

• acoustic ceilings and suspended ceiling baffles

• sound-absorbing wall panels and acoustic artwork

• partitions or acoustic screens between workstations

• carpets and upholstered furniture for additional sound absorption

• sound masking systems that generate subtle background noise

• enclosed devices and sound-insulated headsets

Acoustic modules significantly improve room acoustics and sound absorption.

Targeted sound absorption in control rooms improves speech intelligibility, reduces reverberation times, and creates a calm and productive working atmosphere.

Sound-Absorbing Acoustic Wall for Control Rooms

To specifically optimize room acoustics, Knürr GmbH offers a high-quality sound-absorbing acoustic wall designed specifically for professional working environments.

Its innovative construction and flexible form allow seamless integration into various workstations, including control room consoles and dispatch desks. The effectiveness of the acoustic wall can be evaluated in advance through simulations or tests to ensure that the acoustic solution matches the specific requirements of the workplace.

A recent example is the new regional control center in Kiel, where high-quality acoustic ceiling and wall systems were implemented to improve room acoustics.

Product Features at a Glance

• sound-absorbing acoustic wall

• ultra-lightweight monoblock design

• Eco Standard 100 – 100% recyclable

• free from chemicals (no flame retardants, etc.)

• certified according to DIN EN ISO 354

Verified Sound Absorption According to DIN EN ISO 354

The acoustic wall’s performance has been tested according to DIN EN ISO 354.

Measurement results show that targeted sound absorption significantly reduces noise levels and reverberation in the room, creating a comfortable and functional working environment in the control center.

With a rated sound absorption coefficient of aw 0.55 (H), the acoustic wall is ideally suited to reduce reverberation and improve speech intelligibility in control rooms.

Sustainable and Safe Acoustic Solutions

In addition to acoustic performance, Knürr GmbH places special emphasis on:

• sustainability (100% recyclable materials)

• avoidance of chemical flame retardants

• tested fire protection classes

• durability and high-quality workmanship

Our solutions therefore meet both functional and ecological requirements for modern control rooms.

Holistic Planning for Control Centers

As a specialist in control room consoles and control center furnishings, Knürr always considers room acoustics as part of the overall concept.

Our workplace experts analyze:

• room size and geometry

• technical infrastructure

• work processes

• communication requirements

• ergonomic factors

Integrated control centers (ILS) perform critical tasks in safety-relevant environments. Under the Europe-wide emergency number 112, they coordinate fire brigades, emergency medical services, and patient transport, alert response teams, and manage operations in real time.

Dispatch and coordination take place under enormous time pressure and require absolute concentration, technical reliability, and optimal working conditions.

This is precisely where Knürr GmbH makes a decisive contribution. As a specialist in control room solutions, Knürr develops ergonomic console systems, well-designed furniture concepts, and acoustically optimized room solutions tailored specifically to the requirements of integrated control centers.

Because a powerful technical infrastructure alone is not enough—the working environment must also meet the demands of 24/7 operations.

ILS facilities are connected via a secure dedicated data network (VPN) to ensure fast and reliable communication. To fully support this technical capability, Knürr designs intelligent workspaces that ensure optimal overview, fast reaction times, and interference-free communication.

Ergonomics, sound absorption, and structured workstation design play a crucial role in reducing stress and maintaining dispatcher performance over the long term.

Working closely with operators, municipal authorities, and organizations such as the Bavarian Red Cross, Knürr develops holistic control center concepts that harmonize technology, people, and space.

Control Room Acoustics with a System – Knürr GmbH

Whether a control center, monitoring facility, or technical control room: with acoustic solutions from Knürr GmbH, you invest in:

• improved concentration

• reduced noise exposure

• higher productivity

• sustainable room design

• certified quality according to DIN standards

Contact us for individual consultation on acoustic optimization in control rooms—together we will develop the solution that best fits your requirements.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Control Room Acoustics

Why is acoustics particularly important in control centers?

Control centers often operate 24/7 under high psychological and operational pressure. Poor room acoustics with increased noise levels, reverberation, or disturbing background noise can impair concentration, increase stress, and lead to communication errors.

Targeted acoustic optimization improves speech intelligibility, reduces disturbing noise, and creates a calm and performance-enhancing working environment.

Which measures improve acoustics in control rooms?

Typical measures include acoustic ceilings, sound-absorbing wall panels, partitions between workstations, carpets, and sound masking systems. These reduce noise levels and improve employee concentration.

How does Knürr GmbH support acoustic optimization?

Knürr provides holistic acoustic solutions for control centers, including sound-absorbing acoustic walls and ergonomic console systems. Individual requirements are considered to ensure optimal working conditions and efficient communication.

Which standards apply to acoustics in control centers?

Sound absorption performance is tested according to DIN EN ISO 354.
The Knürr acoustic wall achieves a rated sound absorption coefficient of aw 0.55 (H) and meets high standards for reverberation reduction and speech intelligibility.

What is the ideal noise level in a control center?

Acoustic measurements show that a target background noise level of 30–35 dB(A) is ideal for focused work. Measures such as acoustic ceilings, wall panels, acoustic screens, and sound masking systems help regulate noise levels effectively.

Are Knürr acoustic solutions sustainable?

Yes. Knürr acoustic walls are:

• 100% recyclable (Eco Standard 100)

• free from chemical flame retardants

• available in certified fire protection classes

• durable and high-quality

They combine sustainability, safety, and functionality.