In conversation

Marie Lindqvist-Pahlstad of Zilenzio

Find the right sound level in your commercial space

A study from Leesman Review reveals that while 76% of employees believe sound plays a significant role in their work environment, only 30% are satisfied with the noise levels at their workplace. Why is acoustics such an overlooked aspect in commercial settings?

Marie Lindqvist-Pahlstad, founder of the innovative Swedish company Zilenzio, shares insights and practical solutions that can help interior designers enhance acoustic comfort in any commercial space.

Photography by Zilenzio

“We have approached the effects of noise by consulting a professor in acoustics …”

Why is acoustics so often overlooked in commercial environments, and how do Zilenzio’s products come into play?

It usually boils down to a lack of knowledge. Many believe that noise can be eliminated or reduced by installing large soft objects, lots of textiles, and stylish acoustic panels. The truth is that it doesn’t work as expected. Even if the product looks good, basic tests often show that it fails to absorb any noise.

At Zilenzio, we have approached the effects of noise by consulting a professor in acoustics, focusing on noise, sound and especially the effects of speech in the environments we work with. Zilenzio’s origin lies in functionality. The design came later, as capturing the various characteristics of sound waves is crucial. In developing our sound-absorbing units, we have considered that people react differently to different types of sounds. This means you can rely on our products to enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of commercial spaces.

“Removing all sound isn’t ideal either.”

Walk us through what good acoustics constitutes in a commercial environment?

The fundamental idea is to place the sound absorber as close to the source as possible. Then, ensure the correct amount of absorbers, with the right thickness, density and placement.

Removing all sound isn’t ideal either. A completely silent environment can also be stressful. Being in an environment where you hear your own heartbeat is often unpleasant. To achieve a balanced sound environment, our philosophy consists of half knowledge and half product. Understanding these principles can help in making informed choices that improve the overall acoustics of any space.

“Thanks to our scientifically developed products, we can also guarantee their intended effect.”

How is good acoustics practically achieve in various commercial projects?

The process starts with gathering facts from the client. We look at the room’s volume – ceiling height, length and width – as well as the materials in the space and the room’s function. Is it a noisy preschool, a bustling restaurant or a group of economists working there? Based on this, we advise on quantities and placement, while our partners handle materials, colours and form.

Given that we have probably a thousand different colours to choose from, it’s possible to satisfy the design needs of nearly any environment. Thanks to our scientifically developed products, we can also guarantee their intended effect. This makes us unique in the market, as we sell unique knowledge about sound absorption rather than just products.

“To reduce noise, I often say it’s best to start by placing floor-standing screens as they cover large areas.”

Can you tell us about your different collections and product types, and how they can be used in commercial spaces?

To reduce noise, I often say it’s best to start by placing floor-standing screens as they cover large areas. If the customer doesn’t want these and the floor and ceiling materials are acoustically favourable, desk-mounted screens can often suffice for satisfactory sound comfort.

Otherwise, ceiling and wall absorbers are the next step. These options allow interior designers to tailor acoustic solutions to the specific needs and aesthetics of different commercial spaces, from offices to restaurants to educational institutions.

“Its form is perceived as light and floating, despite its significant weight and substance for functionality.”

One of your favourites is Zilenzio’s ‘Delta’. How was it developed, and what makes it suitable for various commercial applications?

Our ‘Delta’ series, designed by Constance Guisset, has become incredibly popular. The ‘Delta Ceiling’ was the first product in the series. Standing under it, you can noticeably feel how the sound is literally absorbed and dampened. Its form is perceived as light and floating, despite its significant weight and substance for functionality.

The series now also includes the ‘Delta Wall’, and our new furniture series, which of course sells on its appearance but also has unbeatable sound-absorbing properties. These products provide versatile solutions for different commercial settings, combining aesthetic appeal with functional excellence.

“The era of disposable products is over …”

How do you approach sustainability in your work, and why is this important for interior designers?

The era of disposable products is over, which challenges us to develop items that are aesthetically pleasing but also functional, timeless, high quality and durable. The designers we work with can provide a functional product with multiple uses and wrap it all in an appealing form. The raw material in our absorbers is stone wool from regular grey stone. The textiles are Oeko-Tex certified or have other environmental certifications. Our products are also certified according to furniture standards, which we also require from our subcontractors.

“The demands on everyday environments will increase, as today’s noisy and clattering environments contribute to stress, irritation, sleep problems and more.”

Looking to the future, what role do you see sound playing in various commercial environments?

With digitalisation, the number of impersonal meetings on platforms like Skype is increasing, which puts demands on the meeting environment. The personal meetings that do occur will be of higher quality in acoustically well-thought-out environments designed to reduce stress and other discomforts. The demands on everyday environments will increase, as today’s noisy and clattering environments contribute to stress, irritation, sleep problems and more. For those in the industry, understanding and prioritising acoustics will become increasingly important in creating comfortable, productive and appealing commercial spaces.

If you find managing acoustics in commercial spaces tricky, reach out to Escandi for expert guidance at info@escandi.se. Let us help you create the perfect sound environment for your space.