Noise at railway stations and airports can be a major problem; appropriate acoustic design is key to a comfortable journey. Properly designed ceilings reduce reverberation, improve the intelligibility of announcements and effectively reduce passenger fatigue. Such solutions are used at stations and airports all over the world. And this isn’t just about large facilities in wealthy countries. A small railway station in Terespol, in eastern Poland, also boasts optimal acoustics.
Railway stations and airports are spaces where acoustics directly affect the quality of the visitor experience. High-ceilinged halls, hard surfaces and a constant flow of people create an environment where sound easily builds up. As Sebastian Staniewicz, an expert at Knauf Ceiling Solutions, emphasises: “In railway stations and airports, acoustics are not an afterthought, but the very foundation of the passenger experience. We’re talking about vast volumes, hard surfaces and a constant flow of people – without the right solutions, sound simply spirals out of control. The ceiling is key here, as it is the largest available surface that can effectively absorb reverberation and organise the acoustic space.”
Zurich Main Station – underground platforms where acoustics take centre stage
One of the most spectacular examples is the extension of Zurich Main Station, completed just over a decade ago. New tunnels and platforms were built beneath the historic station, situated several metres underground. This is a high-traffic area where reducing reverberation and improving the intelligibility of announcements became crucial. METAL R-H 200 acoustic panels in a distinctive golden hue were installed above the platforms; these lend the interior an air of elegance whilst absorbing sound reflections, thereby enhancing passenger comfort.
Terespol – acoustic order on a compact scale
Knauf Ceiling Solutions panels have also been installed in the concourse of Terespol railway station. This is a smaller facility, but one with similar challenges: high passenger volumes within short timeframes, hard surfaces and the need for clear voice announcements. The acoustic ceilings installed stabilise the acoustics of the space, making announcements easier to hear.
Dubai Airport – solutions on a massive scale
The most impressive project, however, remains Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport, which handles over 80 million passengers a year. The interiors of the terminal and Concourse 2 combine steel, glass and Arabic details to create a monumental space, the acoustics of which had to be precisely engineered. As much as 218,400 square metres of walls and ceilings were finished with Knauf Ceiling Solutions products, equivalent to the area of 30 football pitches. The ‘cocoon’ effect was achieved using 120,000 bespoke panels fitted together like a jigsaw puzzle – the largest such jigsaw in the world. The acoustic effect is equally spectacular: noise is dispersed and reverberation significantly reduced, which makes it easier for travellers to find their way around and reduces fatigue.
Zagreb – a terminal inspired by clouds
In the General Aviation terminal in Zagreb, the architects opted for a more artistic interpretation of acoustics. Hexagonal clusters of MESH Sonic Element MT and MINERAL Sonic Element were used, creating an abstract composition reminiscent of clouds. Different textures and shades of blue and grey, as well as varying suspension heights, lend the interior depth whilst also improving sound absorption. The combination of two similar yet materially distinct systems demonstrates how a multi-material approach enhances both the visual and acoustic effects. This is an example of how acoustics can become an integral part of a place’s identity.
Paddington – bespoke solutions for a busy transport hub
At London’s Paddington station, it was necessary to combine aesthetics with resistance to harsh environmental conditions. Perforated METAL B-H 300 panels with acoustic inserts were used in the lower part of the concourse, whilst higher up, specially designed METAL Baffle elements with insect and bird netting were installed. On platforms 15 and 16, lighter baffle panels were installed at a 45° angle to reflect noise away from the tracks. This is an example of how precisely a ceiling can be tailored to the function of a specific area.
As Sebastian Staniewicz notes: “The selection of an acoustic ceiling in transport facilities always begins with the function of a specific area. We design the main concourse differently – where reducing reverberation and ensuring the clarity of announcements are key – than we do the platforms, where noise levels are extreme, and yet differently from VIP areas, where soundproofing and comfort are paramount. Architects today have enormous freedom – they can combine different materials, formats and layouts without compromising on either performance or aesthetics.”
Sound under control – benefits felt immediately
The common thread running through all these projects is the improvement in the quality of the experience in places that are, by their very nature, noisy and bustling. A well-designed acoustic ceiling not only reduces noise but also enhances travellers’ well-being. Furthermore, their well-thought-out design, incorporating a visual information system, enhances the functionality of stations and airports, making it easier for passengers to find their way around and reach their destination. “A well-designed acoustic ceiling in such spaces does more than simply ‘mute’ the noise. It shortens the perceived time spent in a crowd, improves the intelligibility of announcements and has a tangible impact on passengers’ stress levels. From an investor’s perspective, it also offers durability and ease of maintenance, whilst from an architect’s perspective, it is a tool that simultaneously enhances both the aesthetics and functionality of the space,” concludes Sebastian Staniewicz.
For more information, visit:https://knauf.com/pl.
source: press materials, compiled by the editorial team
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