Shaping the Invisible: Acoustics in Design

Abstract: 

A picture may be worth a thousand words, but neither words nor images can fully capture the human experience of sound. In the first part of this presentation, we’ll explore how acoustical concepts can be integrated into the broader design process — offering architects and designers practical tools to collaborate on solutions that support both function and perception.

We’ll then focus on a specific project type: the workplace. Designing environments where people can focus, communicate, and collaborate effectively begins with managing sound. Two key aspects — speech privacy and speech intelligibility — shape this experience. Speech privacy not only protects sensitive conversations, but also minimizes distraction in open-plan offices. Speech intelligibility, on the other hand, is essential for meeting rooms, video conferencing, and hybrid work — where clear communication is paramount.

This talk will share practical acoustic design strategies — ranging from space planning and material selection to the use of background sound (such as sound masking). Attendees will gain insight into how acoustics contributes to user comfort, team performance, and the overall quality of the built environment.

Presenter: Ioana N. Pieleanu

Creative Director & Principal at Acentech’s Architectural Acoustics Group

Market Leader at Studio A

Co-Leader of 3DListening Services

https://www.linkedin.com/in/pieleanu/

As Creative Director, Ioana leads Acentech’s marketing and business development efforts across multiple industries. A former architectural acoustics consultant with over two decades of experience, Ioana also curates content for the Lab @ Acentech, their interactive online portal. The lab provides listening experiences via web3DL – immersive 3DListening® technology that allows users to hear the acoustics of different space conditions and designs using standard headphones.

Ioana continues to consult on select architectural acoustics projects, leads Acentech’s Studio A Performing Arts practice, and is co-leader of the 3DListening® services, providing marketing strategy, client development, and industry thought leadership. An accomplished pianist with a background in music theory studies, Ioana brings a musician’s ear and artist’s mindset to her multi-faceted role.

Ioana N. Pieleanu earned her BA in Music from Berklee College of Music, and her MS in Architectural Acoustics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She is fluent in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Romanian.