Public Venues
Acoustic Treatment for
Public Venues & Auditoriums
Control noise, improve clarity and create comfortable public environments, from atriums and lobbies to auditoriums and event venues.
The Problem
Large Spaces, Larger Acoustic Challenges
Public venues such as atriums, lobbies, auditoriums, event halls, and community centres share a common problem: volume. High ceilings, expansive floor plates, and hard surfaces create long reverberation times that make speech difficult to understand and ambient noise overwhelming.
In multipurpose halls, the challenge is compounded. A space used for lectures, performances, and social events must support both speech clarity and acoustic warmth. Without treatment, sound builds up unchecked, creating an echoey, uncomfortable environment that undermines every use case.
Public buildings also face strict fire safety and material compliance requirements, limiting the acoustic solutions available. The material must perform acoustically while meeting building codes for public occupancy.
Impact on Experience
Why Acoustics Define Public Spaces
The acoustic quality of a public space shapes how people experience it. Research consistently shows that occupants rate spaces with good acoustics as more comfortable, more functional, and more inviting, regardless of visual design quality. Poor acoustics create fatigue, reduce engagement, and undermine the purpose of the space.
In auditoriums, unclear speech means lost content. In lobbies, excessive reverberation creates an impersonal atmosphere. In community halls, uncontrolled noise makes events exhausting. Acoustic treatment transforms these spaces from echoey shells into environments that genuinely work for the people who use them.
reverberation times in untreated public spaces
Source: Barron, Auditorium Acoustics and Architectural Design
The Research
What the Evidence Says
“Reverberation times in large public spaces can exceed 2 seconds, making speech virtually unintelligible beyond a few metres.”
- Barron, 2009, Auditorium Acoustics and Architectural Design
“Occupants of buildings with good acoustic design report significantly higher satisfaction with their environment.”
- Frontczak & Wargocki, 2011, Building and Environment
“In large multipurpose halls, acoustic treatment is essential to support both speech intelligibility and musical clarity.”
- Beranek, 2004, Concert Halls and Opera Houses
“The perceived quality of a public space is strongly influenced by its acoustic environment, independent of visual design.”
- Kang & Schulte-Fortkamp, 2016, Soundscape and the Built Environment
The Solution
Why Aura Felt Works in Public Venues
Aura Felt PET acoustic panels are engineered for large-format spaces: high acoustic absorption, fire safety compliance, lightweight installation, and architectural-grade finishes that meet the demands of public buildings.
Before & After
Untreated vs Treated Venue
- Sound echoes off walls and ceiling
- Reverberation exceeds 2 seconds
- Speech unintelligible at distance
- Noisy, fatiguing atmosphere
- Baffles and panels absorb reflections
- Controlled reverberation under 1 second
- Clear speech across the full space
- Comfortable, usable environment
Installation Examples
Acoustic Solutions for Public Venues
Lobby & Lounge Baffles
Linear ceiling baffles control reverberation across large, open lobby spaces. The architectural form creates visual rhythm overhead while absorbing sound that would otherwise reflect off hard floors and glazing.
Venue Ceiling Treatment
Wave-form felt ceiling panels span the full width of a large public hall, absorbing reflections and controlling noise build-up during events. The sculptural surface doubles as a design statement.
Auditorium Wall Panels
CNC-routed acoustic wall panels in an auditorium absorb sound energy while adding a refined design element. Precision-cut patterns provide visual warmth alongside measurable acoustic performance.
Safety & Sustainability
Designed for Safe Public Environments
Fire Rated
Certified for interior use in public and commercial buildings
Low VOC
Minimal emissions for large occupied spaces
Non-Toxic
Safe materials for public gathering environments
Lightweight
Reduces structural load on ceilings and suspended systems
Recycled PET
Recycled polyester fibres, sustainable for public procurement
Explore
Other Applications
Get Started
Ready to Improve Your Venue’s Acoustics?
Let us assess your public space and recommend the right acoustic solution. From atriums to auditoriums, we design for better environments.
Book a Venue Acoustic Assessment