Silence zones in schools — what they are and why they’re an investment that pays off
Is your school a place of calm focus, or does it sound more like a busy train station during rush hour? Noise is something we often overlook, yet it has a huge impact on student wellbeing and learning performance. Elevated sound levels can lead to problems with concentration, increased fatigue, difficulties in communication, and even headaches or a noticeable drop in mood. No wonder many schools around the world have been investing in acoustic solutions for years. One of the most effective are silence zones in schools - dedicated spaces where students can reset, regain energy and return to class with a clear mind.
How can you create such a space? What benefits does it bring? And why is it a smart investment both educationally and financially? Let’s take a closer look.
How can you create such a space? What benefits does it bring? And why is it a smart investment both educationally and financially? Let’s take a closer look.
Noise in Schools and Its Effects
During breaks, school corridors can easily turn into a full-scale sound show - laughter, running, loud conversations, slamming lockers, bells ringing. Even classrooms often lack ideal acoustic conditions, especially when lessons take place in large groups and buildings are not adapted to modern acoustic needs.
Prolonged exposure to noise has real consequences for students, such as:
- trouble staying focused,
- more mistakes when completing tasks,
- faster fatigue and lower motivation,
- problems with listening and understanding instructions,
- increased irritability,
- stress and tension,
- difficulties building relationships and cooperating with peers due to communication challenges.
Children with sensory sensitivity, ADHD or autism spectrum disorders experience the strongest negative effects, but research shows that noise impacts everyone - including teachers who spend hours working in demanding conditions.
What Is the Noise Level in Schools?
The recommended noise level for comfortable learning is 35-40 dB. In reality, most classrooms operate at 40-50 dB, which already makes concentration harder.
School corridors frequently reach 85 dB or more - a threshold that can become harmful to hearing when exposure is long.
School corridors frequently reach 85 dB or more - a threshold that can become harmful to hearing when exposure is long.
Not every student reacts to noise in the same way. Some children function well in a dynamic environment, while others feel overwhelmed and stressed. Silence zones in schools give all students - regardless of temperament or sensory needs. It’s a place to take a break and recharge.
What Are Silence Zones?
A silence zone is a dedicated space designed with acoustic solutions that significantly reduce noise levels and allow students to rest, focus or work individually. It can be created as:
- a separate soundproof room,
- a small study room,
- an acoustic booth placed in a corridor, library or common area.
Many schools do not have spare rooms or the budget for renovations, which is why acoustic booths have become increasingly popular. Known from modern office spaces (often called office pods or phone booths), they provide quiet, privacy and comfort even in high-traffic areas. If they work in loud open-plan offices, they are exceptionally effective in schools.
An acoustic booth is essentially a mobile silence zone, easy to place almost anywhere-and if necessary, move to another part of the building.
How to Use an Acoustic Booth as a School Silence Zone
Acoustic booths offer many possibilities. They can be used as:
- a quiet space for students during breaks,
- a place to study individually or do homework,
- a room for meetings or consultations,
- a safe space to talk to a school counselor or psychologist,
- a setting for therapy or revalidation sessions,
- a private area for conversations with parents,
- an extra meeting space for teachers or staff.
Most booths hold 2-4 people, but there are also single-user models and larger versions for 6-8 users. Acoustic isolation ensures privacy, silence and optimal conditions for thoughtful conversations or focused learning.
How Does an Acoustic Booth Work?
An acoustic booth for schools is a compact structure that functions like a mini room with high acoustic performance. It only requires a power connection to operate properly. A built-in ventilation system ensures airflow and comfort, even though the booth is sealed to block noise.
Depending on the model, booth equipment may include:
- comfortable seating,
- a work table,
- LED lighting suitable for reading or video calls,
- shelves or space for learning materials,
- a reservation or booking system.
A wide range of finishes and colors makes it easy to match the booth to any school interior - whether classic or modern.
Case Study: Mikołów - First Project of This Kind in Poland
Mikołów is the first city in Poland to install acoustic booths and calming chairs in all its schools. These spaces are used by students, teachers and parents for meetings, consultations and individual conversations, as well as for relaxation and emotional reset. The project has gained nationwide attention, inspiring other schools to follow the same path.
Rafał Trzaskowski Announces Silence Zones in Every School in Warsaw
The city of Warsaw plans to introduce silence zones to schools across the capital. Over 11.5 million PLN has been allocated for the project, with each school able to apply for a 30,000 PLN grant. The initiative includes collaborative design workshops with students and will create quiet rooms, acoustic nooks, therapeutic gardens and mobile acoustic booths.
Why Do We Need Silence Zones?
To sum up - silence zones in schools provide real benefits. Students gain:
- better mental and emotional wellbeing,
- improved learning conditions and concentration,
- reduced overstimulation and stress,
- more supportive social environment,
- increased sense of safety and belonging.
Teachers also work in more comfortable conditions, and the atmosphere at school becomes calmer and more supportive.
It’s an investment that pays off - in educational results, school culture and healthy development.
It’s an investment that pays off - in educational results, school culture and healthy development.
Acoustic Booths from Tengo Design - The Ideal Silence Zone Solution for Schools
At Tengo Design, we specialise in creating comfortable environments for work, study and relaxation. We supply high-quality acoustic booths from trusted manufacturers, suitable for offices, public institutions and schools. We offer full support-from consultation and selection, to delivery and installation, and long-term service.
What’s more, you don’t need to buy the booth upfront. We offer a subscription model with a predictable monthly cost, ideal for schools, universities, libraries and public institutions that want to implement modern solutions without large initial investment.
If you want to create a space that truly supports student wellbeing and development - we’re here to help.