b'90 INDUSTRY INSIDERTheres Untapped Potential OverheadEvery time I look at a ceiling, theFor example, in gate areas, warm colorsSean BrowneREADY FOR TAKE OFF! first thing I see is opportunity.or nature-inspired finishes provide a Opportunity to help define arelaxing atmosphere before boarding andis senior manager of the Research and space. To assert brand identity. To makeupon arrival. Within busy concourses,Development GroupCONTACT US TODAY!a bold statement or warmly welcomegeometric patterns and integrated lightingat Armstrong World occupants. To infuse energy or facilitatecan help direct traffic flow and supportIndustries, a leader quiet connections.intuitive wayfinding. At check-in lobbiesin the design and manufacture of Ceilings are a fundamental element ofand baggage claim areasthose crucialinnovative ceiling and wall solutions. In any spaces design, with potential to helpfirst and last touchpoints with travelers addition to leading a team of engineers shape both aesthetics and functionality.ceiling style and color selection canand scientists, he is responsible for Todays advanced ceiling technologiesshowcase your brand and culture, instillthe companys Codes and Standards confidence in service and excite guestsProgram.and design options offer exciting opportunities to define the dynamicabout traveling through your airport. environments within modern airports.In terms of acoustics, two basicand design flexibility, its possible to Tapping into everything ceilings haveattributes of ceiling panels are NRCcreate environments that support both to offer comes down to one rule: Dont(noise reduction coefficient), whichfunctionality and passenger well-being.be afraid to challenge your architect tomeasures how well a ceiling absorbs create a ceiling that functionsvisuallysound, and CAC (ceiling attenuationWhats Your Design Statement?and acousticallyas you need it to. Theclass), which indicates its ability to blockAcoustical ceiling products have evolved product options exist; its just a matter ofsound between two enclosed adjacentfar beyond traditional white rectangular communicating your vision and bringingspaces. Products with NRCs of 0.60 tomineral-fiber panels. These days, bolder it to life. 0.65 and CACs of 35 and higher providedesigns can be considered, including some sound absorption and blocking tometal, wood, fiberglass and others. In The architectural team on your projectmaintain privacy between adjacent areas, will bring the knowledge, resourcesaddition, sound absorption isnt limited to such as lounges and restaurants. Movingsolid ceiling designs. Exposed structural and partners to engineer a ceiling thatup the acoustic dampening continuum, achieves the proper acoustics and meetselements, including blades, clouds and ceiling panels with an NRC of 0.70 tovirtually any other shape can add a the design intent. Airport facility managers0.75 and a CAC of 35+ offer stronger can help assure success by answeringmodern look and open feel, while also sound absorption and blocking, whichallowing natural skylight illumination. two key questions. makes them ideal in areas designated for And even custom shapes, sizes and business travelers to make phone/videocolors can be engineered for strong How Should the Space Feel calls. For maximum sound absorption and and Function? blocking in high-traffic or multi-purposeacoustical performance. Whether in a small When answering the first question,spacesconcourses and gates wherecommunity airport, major international hub, consider the wide range of areas withinpassengers need to hear boarding calls or anywhere in between, ceilings can make your airport: holdrooms, restaurants,youll need an NRC of at least 0.80 and aan impactful design statement.lounges, wellness areas, retail shops,CAC of 35 or higher.While this article is not meant to make libraries, places for worship and more.you an acoustical ceiling expert, it does Each of these spaces has distinctAchieving the right acousticalprovide a starting point for thoughtful acoustical needs, from maintaining speechbalance requires thoughtful integrationconversations with your architect or privacy in executive lounges to ensuringof soundscaping, speech intelligibility,designer. Integrating art and science, clear announcements at gates; frombackground noise control and spaceceilings can be key to achieving the creating a lively ambiance in retail areas toplanning. Ceilings can play a critical roleright acoustics and aesthetics in every providing quiet zones for relaxation. in this equation by helping managingairport space. From your boldest designCONTACT: Dennis Braswellacoustics while also contributing to thestatements to your quietest respite No matter how you want guests to feeloverall aesthetic and brand identity of anspaces, the right ceilings can help make itVice Presidentin a given space, or what they need toairport. With advanced ceiling technologieshappen.Liquidator Sales and Contractingdo there, ceiling design can support it. (813) 918-6855Typical Rubber Removal7813 Professional Place|Tampa, FL33637|813-985-4500|info@blasters.net|blasters.net/liquidatorMay | June 2025AirportImprovement.com'