Case study: Computer modeling the noise produced by a future food court radiated to nearby existing offices

Lately, there’s an increase in the co-existence of spaces of different usage with acoustical challenge. Throughout 2016 to 2018, the 2nd floor of the Complexe Les Ailes, in Montreal, underwent a fit-out to become a food court. At its center, there is an elliptical atrium where all levels are can be viewed. There are existing offices above the food court separated by a glass pane. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the noise generated by human activities in the future food court to the adjacent offices and recommend noise control elements if needed. Multiple sound samples were taken at existing food courts to quantify the sound level. Simulations were done with ODEON, a room acoustic software, to evaluate the sound level produced by different activities. On-site measurements were conducted to calibrate the existing conditions with the 3D ODEON model. Finally, noise reduction tests were undertaken to determine the sound levels that would be radiated in the offices by the activities in the food court. To reduce noise disturbance in the offices, acoustical treatment under the ceiling of the food court was recommended and the 3rd and 4th floor glass panes composition would have to be improved.