Walls in open offices are usually drywall, block or glass, all of which reflect almost all of the sound that reaches them. Offices fall under Business occupancy. Suspended products must be Class A and must not block sprinkler heads.
Treat reflection points first
A reflection point is a spot on a wall where sound from a source bounces to a listener. You can find them with a mirror: sit where people listen, have someone slide a mirror along the wall, and mark each spot where you can see a sound source. Panels there give the biggest improvement per square foot.
Parallel walls and flutter echo
Two bare parallel walls make a fast, buzzing echo when you clap. One panel on each wall, offset from each other, usually stops it. See flutter echo between drywall walls.
Recommended wall products
- Blade: Gyms, open offices, atriums, warehouses, from $99
- Cloud: Open offices, restaurants, classrooms, from $142
- Divider: Open offices, libraries, lofts, from $373
If the wall needs to block sound too
Panels do not add meaningful STC to a wall. If sound coming through the wall is a problem, read soundproofing and STC for open offices and what STC means.