Preparing future designers for new acoustic challenges
Recently, we at ELIACOUSTIC had the great opportunity to visit the Alcoy School of Design , a center that trains future professionals in various branches of design. This experience not only allowed us to connect with the students, but also to share with them a fundamental aspect in the development of any space: acoustic conditioning.
Acoustics, often relegated to the background in interior design, is a determining factor that directly affects the functionality and well-being of users. During the talk, our Commercial Director Fran Gómez and our Acoustic Designer Cari García were in charge of explaining the importance of integrating acoustic solutions from the first phases of design, highlighting how sound can influence both the perception and the experience of a space.
Why is it important to teach acoustics in design schools?
Educational centres such as the Escuela Superior de Diseño de Alcoy are key spaces for training the next generation of designers, architects and interior designers. In this context, talking about acoustic conditioning is not just a technical issue, but also a commitment to conscious, sustainable and functional design.
Acoustics isn't limited to large auditoriums or recording studios. It's relevant in offices, restaurants, homes, classrooms , and anywhere people interact. Understanding how sound travels, how it behaves in different materials, and how to mitigate problems like reverberation or ambient noise are essential skills for any designer seeking to create efficient and comfortable environments.
Our visit to the school was a perfect opportunity to plant this idea in the students' minds. We explained how sound, although intangible, has a direct impact on people's quality of life. For example, a poorly acoustically treated space can generate stress, fatigue, and even affect productivity, while a well-designed space promotes tranquility, comfort, and efficiency.
During the presentation, Fran Gómez, Commercial Director, and Cari García, Acoustic Designer at ELIACOUSTIC, focused on conveying key concepts about acoustics and their practical application in design.
Some of the highlights were:
· Acoustics as part of the integral design:
The importance of considering acoustics from the beginning of a project was explained, integrating it as another element of the design, together with lighting, materials and space distribution.
· Materials and acoustic solutions:
Students learned how to choose suitable materials, such as sound-absorbing panels and acoustic coatings such as ECOPanel, which in addition to being functional can be aesthetically attractive.
· Practical cases:
We showcase real-life examples of projects where acoustic conditioning made a difference. This included spaces such as restaurants, offices and meeting rooms, where good acoustic design not only improved the environment, but also added value to the project.
· The future of acoustic design:
It was highlighted how emerging technologies and new design trends seek sustainable, innovative solutions adapted to the needs of each user.
Therefore, initiatives like this not only benefit students but also have a positive impact on the sector. Future designers will be better prepared to face the challenges of creating functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, considering acoustics as a fundamental element.
Furthermore, bringing industry professionals closer to students fosters an exchange of ideas and knowledge that enriches both parties . For us, it was very rewarding to see the interest and questions from the attendees, who showed great enthusiasm for learning more about integrating acoustics into their future projects.
We would like to thank the Alcoy School of Design for opening its doors to us and all the students who actively participated in this event. Their curiosity and eagerness to learn reinforce our motivation to continue sharing our knowledge.
Acoustic conditioning is a discipline that often goes unnoticed, but is gaining more and more prominence in the design world. Spaces that sound well are spaces that function well, and educating the next generation on this topic is key to building a future where design is not only visual, but also functional and sensorial.
We will continue to support initiatives like this, reaching out to schools and educational centers to share our expertise and help train the designers of tomorrow. Because in design, every detail counts, and acoustics is no exception.