Creating Space to Be Heard: Soundproofing

When we think about creating a safe space for children and youth, we might think first about the people in the room: caring professionals who are there to listen.

But the space itself matters, too.

As Luna prepares to move into our new Centre, one that is being re-modelled specifically for our needs, we have an opportunity to think carefully about every detail of the environment. One of those details is something you might not notice at all when you walk through the finished space: soundproofing.

When privacy is more than just a closed door

At our current Centre, we have soundproofing in place. But we have also learned that simply adding soundproofing isn't always enough.

Sound can travel in surprising ways. It can move through walls, ceilings, doors, outlets and other openings. In a busy building, everyday sounds, like voices in a hallway, a door closing, someone walking past, can sometimes make their way into a room.

For most conversations, that might be a minor distraction.

For a child or youth sharing something deeply personal, it can feel very different.

Luna's multi-disciplinary team meets with children, youth and families during some of their most difficult moments. In therapy rooms, police interview rooms and other sensitive spaces, it is an essential part of creating an environment where someone can feel safe, comfortable and able to speak openly.

Building quiet into the walls

As the new Luna Centre is being crafted, soundproofing is being intentionally built into the construction of the space.

In sensitive rooms, specialized materials will extend from floor-to-ceiling and other areas where sound can travel. Careful attention is being paid to outlets and other openings. Walls, doors and room configurations are being designed with privacy and sound control in mind. White noise machines are being installed in hallways and other adjacent areas to help ensure those sensitive rooms remain quiet.

The goal is simple: make these rooms as quiet and private as possible.

It may not be something anyone will ever notice, but that’s the point.

Good soundproofing should fade into the background. It shouldn't be something a child thinks about when they walk into a room. Instead, they should simply experience a space that feels calm, private and comfortable.

Special soundproofing material is extended into the ceiling to create a “slab-to-slab” soundproof wall. Additional soundproofing material is wrapped around all openings, pipes and conduits to help create a quiet space.

Creating room for quiet

For a child or youth, talking about something personal that happened to them can take courage.

They may be sharing something they have never told anyone before. They may be worried about who will hear them. They may be distracted by sounds outside the room. A quieter, more private environment can help remove some of those barriers.

It gives children and youth one less thing to think about and allows them to focus on the conversation, rather than what might be happening on the other side of the wall.

We're building a space where children and youth can feel heard. And that starts by making sure they can simply be heard.