Universal Embraces Shanghai

From The Weeknd to Sting, Justin Bieber to Elton John, Kendrick Lamar to Bob Dylan, Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG)’s roster contains some of the most significant recording artists in history.

In 2021, they expanded their presence in China with the opening of a new music workspace in Shanghai’s Jing’an District. Converted from an old factory warehouse, it comprises 600 square meters of offices, songwriting rooms, and hang-out spaces. Set over two floors, it is simultaneously a celebration of all things UMPG, a place for creative music talent to gather, and a practical location for high-end music production. With world-class standards to meet, it was important that during the design and construction that only the best acoustic products were used. For this, Zenfeel Acoustic Panels were selected.

UMPG central atrium
UMPG central atrium

In 2021, they expanded their presence in China with the opening of a new music workspace in Shanghai’s Jing’an District.Converted from an old factory warehouse, it comprises 600 square meters of offices, songwriting rooms, and hang-out spaces. Set over two floors, it is simultaneously a celebration of all things UMPG, a place for creative music talent to gather, and a practical location for high-end music production.

UMPG Shanghai
UMPG Shanghai

With world-class standards to meet, it was important that during the design and construction that only the best acoustic products were used. For this, Zenfeel Acoustic Panels were selected.

How Were Zenfeel Acoustic Panels Fitted?

The key design elements in the central atrium featured natural wood, sleek metal, and modern linear lighting. To complement these, soft and discreet acoustic panels were chosen, featuring simple groove patterns that were geometrically appropriate for the space.

Polyester Acoustic Panels
Polyester Acoustic Panels

Staying consistent with the central atrium, the same design for the acoustic panels was chosen to be used in songwriting rooms. Notice how the smooth texture provides an aesthetically pleasing counterweight to the uneven exposed brick, and the diagonal grooves create relief from the horizontal lines of the wall.

Polyester Acoustic Panels
Polyester Acoustic Panels

Unlike traditional foam acoustic panels, which feature ripples or a pyramid shaped or carved design, these provide a clean, unobtrusive means to control sound within the room, while maintaining an upmarket and sophisticated aesthetic.

How do Zenfeel Polyester Acoustic Panels Work?

Can these polyester acoustic panels achieve nice sound absorption effects? Yes, because there is more to them than meets the eye. As we mentioned in our latest article, noise absorption aims to reduce the level of reverberation in a given environment, thereby ameliorating noise issues. The polyester acoustic panels used in the UMPG project are designed to absorb sound instead of reflecting it, thereby reducing reverberation.

UMPG songwriting room
UMPG songwriting room

There are various options for clients, when it comes to the carved design of Zenfeel polyester acoustic panels. It can be left smooth, or alternatively it can be groove-cut to create a stylized appearance. Below are some examples. Notice how not only are the groove-cut designs variable, but so too are the colours.

  • Groove Polyester Acoustic Panels
  • Groove Polyester Acoustic Panels
  • Groove Polyester Acoustic Panels
  • Groove Polyester Acoustic Panels

Polyester acoustic panels can also be fitted with a backing layer made of coconut fiber or wool, meshed in a way that very effectively absorbs sound. The coconut fiber acoustic panels can also be fitted independently, if the rough, natural texture fits in with its surroundings.

  • Smart Panel: polyester & coconut fiber
  • ECO-Fiber Wool Acoustic Panel

Where are Polyester Acoustic Panels Appropriate?

As seen in the UMPG offices, these panels are not simply for use in environments traditionally associated with sound control, such as recording booths. In fact, they’re common and important in all sorts of spaces, including offices, gyms, lobbies, F&B locations and healthcare facilities.

Gym
Gym

Why? Because by absorbing a certain amount of sound, they create a more acoustically comfortable environment. Panels such as these can convert a noisy space, which is lacking in auditory privacy, and reduce the amount that sound travels back and forth between the walls.

Sound Reverberation
Sound Reverberation

For UMPG, this was of course important in the songwriting rooms. However, it was also important in the main atrium. With very few walls, a large staircase, and a constant flow of people, the sound could easily have become overwhelming. Thanks to the acoustic panels, this problem was successfully mitigated.

Private conversation
Private conversation

For more information about creating acoustically comfortable work environments, or to see more samples of our work, reach out to ZENFEEL today.

Atrium bottom view
Atrium bottom view

Source: anySCALE

Photographer: Vincent Wu