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Today's
ceiling are more than merely ceilings. In the increasingly complicated
buildings now being built, many installations are located overhead,
and a suspended ceiling is then fitted to conceal them. Another
task of this ceiling is to carry light fittings, signs,etc. And
if a fire should break out, the function of the ceiling is to prevent
the spreading of flames.
The ceiling is also an aesthetic element in the interior. The architect
may wish to make it more or less prominent, severe or playful. A
discreet ceiling that allows other elements to take the upper hand,
or a ceiling whose colour and lines set the tone for the entire
character of the room.
But the ceiling may also have a function that affects the health
and sense of well-being of the occupants. A ceiling with good sound
absorption promotes a sense of serenity, security and contentment
of the people who work or otherwise occupy the premises. The ceiling
then makes it easier to concentrate, help to reduce fatigue, and
enables the occupants to do their work efficiently.
We can shut our eyes to avoid seeing something, close our mouth
to avoid tasting, nip our nose to avoid smelling, and keep our hands
by our sides to avoid feeling. But how can we exclude sound - voices,
phones ringing, machinery noise, ventilation sound, scraping of
chairs, rustling of paper - that bounces between hard surfaces in
an office, a classroom, a doctor's waiting room, a factory, a restaurant
or gym?
A ceiling that absorbs as much as possible of the disturbing sound
is an excellent aid.
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