Creating sound environments where people thrive

Acoustics is not just about sound. It is about people. 

Every building, every infrastructure project and every public space has a sound environment. That environment influences how we work, learn, heal, travel and experience culture. When acoustics are appropriate, they are almost invisible – yet they have a powerful impact on comfort, productivity, safety and well-being. 

At COWI, we help our customers shape sound environments that works. We turn complex acoustic knowledge into practical, value-creating solutions that strengthen projects – technically, financially and socially. 

Many healthy benefits

Good acoustics creates many values like higher productivity and better performance in offices and workplaces, improved learning outcomes in schools, educational facilities and rehearsal rooms. We also experience faster recovery and safer operations in healthcare environments, stronger user satisfaction in residential and mixed-use developments. Focus on good acoustics also creates: 

• Reduced noise impact along road and rail transportation corridors 
• Enhanced customer experience in transportation hubs, retail and public spaces 
• Higher artistic level and better sound for audiences in concert venues 
• Reduced risk of complaints, delays and costly retrofits. 

Poor acoustics, on the other hand, can lead to dissatisfaction, health issues, operational challenges and expensive corrections late in the project lifecycle. By involving COWI early, customers reduce uncertainty and gain a partner who understands both the technical requirements and the human dimension of sound. 

“When acoustics is integrated in the design process from day one, it supports architecture, sustainability and functionality simultaneously. Early- phase collaboration enables us to create added value for our customers,” Ricardo continues.  

From airports to hospitals – acoustics in action 

Airports are among the most acoustically complex environments in the world. At Oslo Airport Gardermoen, good acoustics are essential for clear and reliable announcements, low stress levels and good working conditions. With large open spaces, hard surfaces and constant activity, controlling reverberation, noise and speech intelligibility is critical. COWI’s acoustic expertise contributes to creating a calm, functional and high-performing transportation hub – where communication works and people feel at ease. 

As Ricardo explains: “In large transportation hubs, like Oslo Airport, acoustics directly impacts safety, efficiency and passenger experience. Our role is to make complex environments feel intuitive and calm.” 

We help our customers build healthy, high-performing buildings: In offices, residential buildings, schools and healthcare facilities, we design acoustic solutions that support concentration, privacy, recovery and communication.  We help customers meet certification schemes and sustainability targets while ensuring real user comfort. 

He continues: “Through measurements of indoor noise levels in sensitive rooms at the maternity and neonatal departments at Oslo University Hospital (Rikshospitalet), we established an important knowledge base for assessing realistic and appropriate noise limit values. This highlighted the critical role of acoustics in vulnerable situations – supporting calm, safety and recovery for both patients and staff.” 

Environmental noise and regulatory compliance 

We also see noise from traffic, construction and industry becoming a growing challenge. We provide noise mapping, impact assessments and mitigation strategies that secure approvals and protect communities – reducing project risk and strengthening stakeholder dialogue. 

"Consider noise impact early in the planning process to avoid delayed conflicts and costly mitigating measures later on.", is a good tip! 
 

Vibration control for sensitive environments and physical health  

Hospitals, laboratories, advanced industry and transport infrastructure require precise vibration control. We design tailored solutions that protect sensitive equipment, ensure patient safety and prevent structural damage. Sound affects us physically and emotionally. It influences stress levels, cognitive performance and social interaction. As awareness of health, inclusivity and well-being grows, the demand for high-quality sound environments increases. 

“It is important to remember that acoustics is about designing environments and solutions that work for everyone – including children, elderly people and those with hearing challenges. Designing good sound systems where acoustics meets technology and creates clear speech and engaging music is one of our most important tasks,” says Ricardo.  

At COWI, we combine technical excellence with human insight. We translate acoustic science into solutions that make a real difference – for building owners, developers, operators and end users alike. 

Because good acoustics is not just about reducing noise. 
It is about creating environments where people can thrive. 

Contact an expert 

Ricardo Villares, Head of Discipline, acoustics/industrial noise – rivs@cowi.com  
Lars Ødemark, room acoustics and AV systems – lod@cowi.com  
Maria Garrido, room acoustics – magi@cowi.com   
Runar Simonsen, noise abatement – rgsi@cowi.com   
Trond Eklund Johansen, cultural buildings and schools – tdjn@cowi.com   
Øyvind Antonsen, room acoustics and AV systems – odan@cowi.com  

Photo: Aslak Mikal Mienna/Beaivváš