In modern educational spaces, open layouts encourage connection and collaboration. However, without proper acoustic planning, background chatter and echo can quickly disrupt concentration. When Teesside University set out to renovate its main campus library, the objective was clear: balance active group work with quiet individual study across a vibrant, open-plan environment.
By combining deliberate acoustic zoning with BuzziSpace’s high-performance lighting and spatial dividers, the university successfully transformed its library into an acoustically balanced student haven.
Teesside University Library UK Project Photos
The Challenge: Balancing Aesthetics, Lighting, and Noise
With hundreds of students utilizing the library daily, sound levels fluctuated constantly, from energetic group discussions to silent exam prep. Teesside University needed a solution that would:
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Absorb Excessive Noise: Mitigate sound transfer and reduce reverberation across large, open floors.
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Zone Without Construction: Create distinct, micro-study environments without erecting permanent walls that block natural light.
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Enhance Lighting & Decor: Elevate the visual aesthetic using vibrant colors and functional design elements.
The Strategy: Macro-to-Micro Acoustic Zoning
Rather than building rigid architectural barriers, the design team implemented acoustic zoning, a method of managing sound by grouping specific activities and using flexible furnishings to define boundaries.
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Collaborative Hubs: Open group settings paired with functional acoustic lighting to catch sound right at the source.
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Focus Micro-Zones: Semi-private nooks shielded by sound-absorbing room dividers to minimize visual and auditory distractions.
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Transition Spaces: Open pathways treated with reverberation-reducing fixtures to keep noise from traveling across zones.
Ready to Transform Your Educational Space?
Whether you are renovating a campus library or designing an open-plan workspace, achieving the right acoustic balance requires a tailored approach.
Our team provides custom spatial planning, acoustic calculations, and product recommendations to help you build functional, noise-controlled environments.
The Primary Takeaway: Design for Sound from the Start
Poor acoustics directly impact concentration, well-being, and productivity. The primary lesson from Teesside University is that acoustic treatment should be integrated from the initial design concept, rather than added as an afterthought.
By combining light fixtures with noise-absorbing felts and using biophilic dividers to carve out micro-spaces, you can create a dynamic, open-plan sanctuary where students can both collaborate and thrive.
