There are several acoustical variables to be considered when designing an open plan office. These variables are identified and measured with mock-ups in a semi-anechoic test chamber. Articulation index is used as an analysis technique to evaluate each variable's impact on speech intelligibility. The affect of the panel, ceiling, and vertical wall sound absorption is evaluated. The speech level, speaker directivity, panel height, and ambient noise level are also considered. The laboratory measurements and the utilization of articulation index provide a meaningful method to evaluate and compare acoustical variables in the open plan office.

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A new laboratory test procedure is developed that evaluates the normal incidence sound transmission loss characteristics of a partial height panel. A comprehensive comparison of test data and the resulting single number ratings are made between the proposed and the existing barrier/sound transmission loss test procedures. Experimental attenuation measurements for various open-plan office configurations were in close agreement with calculated theoretical predictions using the geometrical theory of diffraction and normal incidence sound transmission loss test data. Measurements were conducted in a semi-anechoic room using a one-third octave band real time analyzer and pink noise as the test signal. The new test procedure provides one-third octave band data for complete acoustical analysis and a single number rating, called Weighted Articulation Index Average, for partial height panel comparisons.

To determine the effectiveness of a small fan in enhancing thermal comfort in an open office, eight subjects were studied at 24.4 C (76F), 26.1 C (79F), and 27.8 C (82F) (all at 50% RH), in an environmental laboratory where each workstation was equipped with a small variable speed fan. Control trials were run at all three temperatures without the use of the fan. Three subjective responses were measured: thermal sensation (a nine category rating scale) , thermal comfort (a seven pair semantic differential scale), and temperature preference. During fan tests, subjects were allowed to adjust the fan speed to their preference at 15 minute intervals. Results showed that use of the fan could allow a 3 ' F temperature increase while maintaining the same comfort level, or increase comfort at temperatures of 79OF and up. The 3OF increase in temperature would result in a 9% energy savings, based on the National Bureau of Standards suqgestion of a reduction in air conditioning energy demand of _ _ 6% per OC or 3% per O F .The study also adjustable in speed and placement.

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