Dot sound-absorbing panels by Caruso Acoustic for the Politecnico di Milano (Milan, Italy)

Caruso Acoustic carried out an acoustic correction project at the Department of Physics of the Politecnico di Milano (Building 8, Piazza Leonardo da Vinci 32), as part of a project managed by the MRC Architetti studio.

 

The supply involved several study rooms, where acoustic comfort is essential: in large open-plan spaces, reverberation can quickly increase and make concentration difficult, resulting in mental fatigue. To improve speech intelligibility, 39 Dot sound-absorbing panels were installed, strategically distributed to cover the entire surface of the rooms.

 

The choice of the suspended version was also crucial for integration with the structure of the spaces: the ceiling, characterized by exposed systems, required a flexible and non-invasive solution. The sound-absorbing panels, suspended by height-adjustable steel cables, were installed without interfering with ventilation, fire safety systems, and other technical elements, maintaining visual order and design continuity.

 

At the workstations, some Dot panels integrate LED lighting, effectively meeting the dual need for acoustic control and illumination. This solution reduces the need for additional light fittings and ensures functional lighting on study surfaces.

 

The color selection also contributes to the project: warm shades of yellow and orange define the ceiling, enlivening the space and making the rooms more welcoming. The intervention is therefore both technical and visual – designed to improve the daily experience of those who use the university spaces.