Acoustic influence of multi-resonator screens on speech signals in a virtual open-plan office

Intelligible speech is one of the most distracting noises in workplaces. Sound-absorbing partitions attenuate speech signals, enhancing the workers' comfort and privacy. However, isolating their acoustic contribution from other sound-absorbing environmental variables, such as ceiling or wall treatments, is challenging. This study employs a wave-based room acoustic modeling approach to investigate the acoustic role of specific desk screens in a virtual open-plan office. A multi-resonator unit cell capable of attenuating the primary formants of voice signals was optimized through analytical models, finite-element simulations, and experimental data from 3-D-printed samples. The authors evaluated the acoustic performance of potential desk panels—constructed from unit cells' iteration—within the full-scale digital model of the office calibrated on in-field measurements. The study quantifies the proposed panels' resulting speech attenuation compared to traditional (glass and porous) screens.