In the Nordic countries, most office buildings include open-plan offices. However, to optimize working conditions, such spaces require special acoustic design to achieve reasonable sound attenuation between groups and satisfactory speech intelligibility within groups, although truly optimal working conditions can never be expected. This paper describes and compares the current requirements and recommendations for open-plan offices in the Nordic countries and presents the design and measurements from two Danish office buildings.

The results from room-acoustic modelling, measurements, and subjective evaluations are presented and assessed in relation to current requirements and recommendations. Furthermore, the applicability of different criteria throughout a typical design and construction process—from the initial design phase until the offices are occupied—is discussed. Finally, suggestions are made for future acoustic regulations and guidelines for open-plan offices.